Former world No 1 defends ‘misunderstood’ Ben Shelton in controversy with Novak Djokovic
Ben Shelton is simply a “confident young man” and “his swagger on court” might ruffle a few feathers, according to Jim Courier as he discussed the current controversy involving the young American and Novak Djokovic.
Four months after their US Open semi-final match, the drama surrounding Djokovic’s celebration is back in the news after the 24-time Grand Slam winner revealed he was “provoked” by Shelton.
Rising star Shelton made headlines throughout last year’s US Open campaign for his phone celebration as he picked up an imaginary phone before slamming it down.
Djokovic copied that celebration after he defeated the youngster in the last four and, after initially saying he did it because it was “cool” he has now come out and accused Shelton of unsportsmanlike behaviour before and during the match.
“This is my reaction to a provocation that came from the other side, it was a reaction against him,” he told L’Equipe.
“He did not behave properly, with respect, on court, and before the match.”
Shelton, meanwhile, played down the comments and insisted he simply wants to move on and focus on the Australian Open.
“I don’t really have anything else to say on the whole US Open situation,” he said.
“I feel like I’ve been asked about it constantly in the last four or five months. I feel like I’ve said my peace on the matter. I would rather just let it settle and move forward.”
READ MORE: Nick Kyrgios wades into the debate on the Novak Djokovic and Ben Shelton row
The controversy, though, continues to hit the headlines and the 20-year-old has received support from four-time Grand Slam winner Courier.
“I would go with misunderstood,” he told Wide World of Sports’ The Morning Serve.
“I think that Ben is a confident young man and has a lot of swagger on the court. Some people might not take to that, but a lot of people do.
“I think if you get to know him personally, I think you’ll fall in love with him.”
There could be a Djokovic-Shelton rematch on the cards at the 2024 Australian Open as they could meet in the last 16 and Courier feels it would be a good test for the American.
“I think he’d relish the opportunity to play Novak – these young guys want to test themselves against the best,” he said.
“Shelton obviously took on Novak at the US Open and it obviously went Novak’s way pretty conclusively.
“That would be a good test for him to get back out there and see if his game has improved since then.
“It would obviously be a big hype-fest too … if we’re talking about it, it’s probably a good thing.”
