A dialled-in Novak Djokovic disconnected Ben Shelton’s dream US Open run within the semi-finals on Friday, twisting the knife as he copied the younger American’s favoured on-court celebration after clinching the match in three units.
The veteran Djokovic held off a late-match surge from the 20-year-old to achieve his tenth US Open last earlier than he mimed answering the telephone – and hanging up – to subvert the viral post-win gesture Shelton has utilized in New York.
“I just love Ben’s celebration,” Djokovic instructed reporters with a smile.
“I thought it was very original, and I copied him. I stole his celebration.”
Shelton stated he had not seen Djokovic’s transfer till after the match, however added he wouldn’t inform one other opponent methods to have fun.
“I think if you win the match, you deserve to do whatever you want,” stated Shelton.
“You know, as a kid growing up, I always learned that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so that’s all I have to say about that.”
The transfer is one Shelton borrowed himself from three-times 110 metres hurdles world champion Grant Holloway, who appeared happy to have his celebration dropped at New York as he reposted photographs and pictures of Shelton on social media.
“It’s kind of like I’m saying I’m dialled in,” Shelton defined earlier within the match, when requested concerning the celebration.
The big-hitting Shelton earned legions of followers from the house crowd, at the same time as he knocked out two higher-ranked Americans – Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe – within the fourth spherical and the quarter-finals, respectively.
“The two weeks as a whole was a good run for me. A lot of positives to take away for the rest of the year and going into next year,” stated Shelton.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
