Ben Shelton issued a fairly peaceable and calm response to Novak Djokovic’s declare that he “didn’t behave with respect” throughout their 2023 US Open match. 

After sealing a straight-set win over Shelton within the US Open semifinal, Djokovic imitated the 21-year-old’s cellphone celebration and “hung up the cellphone” on the rising American star. Though many thought Djokovic was mocking Shelton, the Serb later insisted he did simply because he thought the celebration was “cool.” 

However in an interview with L’Equipe that was revealed over the weekend, Djokovic revealed the actual reality, saying he felt that Shelton wasn’t behaving correctly. Additionally, Djokovic described his motion as “a response to a provocation.”

After kicking off his Australian Open marketing campaign with a 6-2 7-6 (2) 7-5 win on Monday, Shelton was requested to deal with Djokovic’s feedback. 

“No, I do not actually have anything to say on the entire US Open state of affairs. I really feel like I have been requested about it always within the final 4 or 5 months. I really feel like I’ve stated my peace on the matter. I might somewhat simply let it settle and transfer ahead,” Shelton stated when requested about Djokovic’s feedback.

Why Djokovic imitated Shelton’s celebration?

After simply shedding the opening two units to Djokovic of their US Open conflict, Shelton additionally discovered himself down by a break within the third set. However Shelton did not stop, breaking again Djokovic within the eighth sport of the third set. 

After getting his first break of the match, Shelton tried to fireplace up the gang and pulled off his cellphone celebration. That second actually did not go unnoticed by Djokovic, who nonetheless managed to get the job executed in straight units and declare a 6-3 6-2 7-6 (4) win.

Moments after sealing his win, Djokovic returned Shelton the favor and hung up the cellphone on the American. 

When requested to deal with the second in his post-match press convention, Shelton insisted he was unbothered by Djokovic imitating his celebration.