(VIDEO) Ben Shelton celebration breaches world of ice hockey with Martin Necas sealing overtime win
ATP
The
celebration of Ben Shelton's "phone" gesture on the ATP Tour has been
gaining popularity, and this time, it reached the world of hockey players.
There's no
doubt that Ben Shelton has been one of the remarkable breakthroughs on the
Tour, showcasing immense talent that has propelled him from outside the top 150
to join the elite top-15 within the last 12 months.
Shelton
began 2023 without international experience and, within a few months, he
secured significant results, including his first ATP 500 title at the Tokyo
Open, a quarterfinal appearance at the Australian Open, and a semifinal run at
the US Open.
The
21-year-old has captured the attention of fans not only with his talent but
also with his charismatic personality on and off the court. One of the unique
features of Shelton's game this year has been his celebration, where he
imitates holding a phone to his ear and then "hangs up" the call.
This
distinctive celebration has gained popularity and even made its way into the
world of hockey, thanks to Czech hockey player Martin Necas.
“Ben
Shelton even has hockey players doing the phone celebration. Martin Nečas
scored a game winning goal in overtime with 9.7 seconds left & picked up
the phone.”
One
instance when the celebration gained even more popularity was during the
controversy involving the American player and Novak Djokovic at Flushing
Meadows.
After a
hard-fought victory by the Serbian over Shelton, 'Nole' qualified for the final
with a win in three sets and then performed the same phone gesture. Many
interpreted it as a taunt, and both players later discussed it in their press
conferences.
“I just
love Ben’s celebration. I thought it was very original. I copied him. I stole
his celebration,” Djokovic said after his winning over Shelton.
"I
didn't see it until after the game. I don't like to see people on social media
telling me how I should or shouldn't celebrate. If you win a game, you deserve
to do whatever you want. I was taught as a kid that imitation is the greatest
form of flattery. That's all I'm going to say,"
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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