Novak Djokovic says Ben Shelton placed himself in ‘unsportsmanlike zone’ – ‘This is my reaction to a provocation’
Novak Djokovic has lifted the lid over his controversial copying of Ben Shelton’s famous phone celebration after his win over the American at the US Open last year, saying it was his “reaction to a provocation”.
During his run to last year’s US Open semi-finals, Shelton became famous for his celebration of mimicking a phone call with his hand and then pretending to put said imaginary phone down.
But the tables were turned after his match against Djokovic as the Serbian was the one to pull out the celebration following his routine three-set victory.
During the post-match press conference, the tennis great explained why he “stole” the celebration, saying: “I just love Ben’s celebration. I thought it was very original and I copied him. I stole his celebration.”
Not long after the tournament Shelton’s father, former player Bryan Shelton, criticised Djokovic over the incident.
“He wants to be loved so much, Novak. He wanted to mock Ben at the end. It wasn’t something he was doing just to copy Ben. It was to mock him. And that’s too bad, for that to come from such a great champion,” he said.
us when they call about our car’s extended warranty.
pic.twitter.com/M39UlKWfxu— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2023
Now, four months later Djokovic has revealed that it wasn’t just a case of copying the 20-year-old Shelton.
In the build-up to the Australian Open, Djokovic revealed to French publication L’Equipe that he was provoked before their clash on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“This is my reaction to a provocation that came from the other side, it was a reaction against him,” he said.
“He did not behave properly, with respect, on court, and before the match.
“I’m never going to make fun of someone if they don’t do something first. Every time I lose I always give my opponent a hug, I congratulate him, I respect him and his team.
“If anyone places himself in the ‘unsportsmanlike zone’, I react.”
It is not the first time that Djokovic has hit out at an opponent and it won’t be the last and he usually doesn’t mince his words.
The tennis great slammed Cameron Norrie after their match at the Italian Open in Rome last year after the British player accidentally hit a ball straight at him.
“Maybe you could say he didn’t hit me deliberately,” Djokovic said.
“I don’t know if he saw me. I mean … you can always see where the player is positioned on the court.”
He added: “I get along with Cameron really well all these years that he’s been on Tour. Practiced with each other. He’s very nice off the court, so I don’t understand this kind of attitude on the court, to be honest.
“But it is what it is. He brought the fire, and I responded to that. I’m not going to allow someone behaving like this just bending my head. I’m going to respond to that.”
READ MORE: Pundit claims Novak Djokovic has found a way to deal with abuse from fans
