Ben Shelton’s take on Novak Djokovic’s recent claims on their controversial 2023 US Open meeting has impressed tennis fans online.
Shelton and Djokovic locked horns for the first time in a high-stakes semifinal at the 2023 US Open. The Serb, who dismissed the home favorite in straight-sets celebrated the win by copying the youngster’s ‘dialed-in’ celebration.
The controversial move rubbed the tennis world the wrong way, but Novak Djokovichad dismissed the incident at the time by stating that he “stole” the gesture because he loved it.
A few days back, however, the World No. 1 revealed the real reason he copied Ben Shelton’s celebration. He stated that the American being disrespectful during the match was the cause of his reaction.
Shelton, who is currently contesting the 2024 Australian Open, fielded questions regarding the matter after his opening round win on Monday, January 15. Dismissing the constant media pestering, the 21-year-old indicated that he had moved on from the incident.
“I don’t really have anything else to say on the whole US Open situation,” Ben Shelton said in his press conference. “I feel like I’ve been asked about it constantly in the last four or five months. I feel like I’ve said my piece on the matter. I would rather just let it settle and move forward.”
He added that his focus was on the task at hand in the Grand Slam Down Under.
“We’re in Australia now, and we’re at the Australian Open and not the US Open anymore,” he added. “Everyone can have their opinion on who I am or how I act. But, yeah, I don’t know. I don’t have an answer to your question.”
Several tennis fans were impressed by the American’s firm and “mature” response. Many even called out Novak Djokovic for holding onto the four-month-old incident.
“Ben Shelton, a 21-year-old young adult is more mature than a Djokovic, 36yo old grown man,” one fan said.
Leave a Reply