(VIDEO) Djokovic mocks Shelton celebration and hangs up the phone on him after reaching US Open final

Novak Djokovic playfully mocked Ben Shelton's phone celebration after defeating him and securing a place in the 2023 US Open final.

The 36-year-old Serbian faced off against the young American sensation, 20-year-old Shelton, who had surprised everyone by reaching the semifinals with victories over Pedro Cachin, Dominic Thiem, Aslan Karatsev, and then his compatriots Tommy Paul, and Frances Tiafoe.

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Shelton had used his trademark phone celebration multiple times during the week, but against Djokovic, the story took a different turn.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion asserted his dominance right from the start of the match and only faced a real challenge in the latter part of the third set.

Djokovic had a commanding lead of 6-3, 6-2, 4-2, and it seemed like the end was near. However, Shelton put up strong opposition, breaking Djokovic's serve three more times, extending the set to a tie-break.

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Ultimately, Djokovic prevailed, winning the match 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4). Amidst the celebration of his victory, 'Nole' playfully imitated Shelton's phone celebration, making a "hangs up the phone" gesture after his comfortable victory.

"Novak Djokovic hangs up the phone on Ben Shelton after beating him at the US Open,"

Despite the defeat, Shelton can take away positive outcomes from his journey through Flushing Meadows, as he will climb to world No. 19 starting on Monday, breaking into the top 40 for the first time.

As for Djokovic, he now awaits his opponent in the final, which will be determined in the match between the 2021 US Open champion and world No. 1, Carlos Alcaraz, and world No. 3, Daniil Medvedev.

The Serbian will be vying for his fourth US Open title, which could also mark his 24th Grand Slam victory, further distancing himself from Rafael Nadal's 22 and equalling the all-time record set by Margaret Court with 24 Slams.