Djokovic, clear on why he mimicked Ben Shelton's phone gesture: "It was a natural reaction to his disrespect."
ATPSunday, 14 January 2024 at 09:27
Novak Djokovic, the world number one in men's tennis, has commented on the recent imitation of Ben Shelton's celebration at the US Open, expressing his displeasure and noting that it was a response to the disrespect shown by Shelton both on court and before the match. The two could meet in the fourth round of the Australian Open.
During a press conference, Djokovic stated: "It was a reaction against him. He did not behave correctly, with respect, neither on the court nor before the match. I think we all need to remember that respect is fundamental in our sport and if someone puts himself in the anti-sport zone, I will react."
Controversy arose when Ben Shelton imitated Djokovic's trademark celebration after winning a crucial point during their US Open match. Djokovic, known for his on-court fervor, explained that the imitation was not well received because of Shelton's previous attitude.
"While competition is an integral part of our sport, so is mutual respect. Before the match, during the warm-up, I felt that his behavior was not appropriate. And then, replicating his celebration after winning a point was simply a natural reaction to his lack of respect," Djokovic added.
The Serbian tennis player has been recognized for his dedication and passion on the court, but he is also aware of the importance of fair play and courtesy in professional tennis. Djokovic concluded, "I hope we can remember the importance of sportsmanship and respect in our sport. We are all here to compete, but also to respect each other."
Shelton's imitation and Djokovic's response have generated a debate in the tennis world, highlighting the relevance of sporting values and ethical conduct on the professional circuit.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
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