"Who’s hanging up on whom?": Novak Djokovic set for potenial Ben Shelton re-match at 2023 Paris Masters after "cold" US Open clash

Novak Djokovic could be set for a potential re-match with Ben Shelton at the 2023 Paris Masters after a "cold" clash at the US Open last month.

The World No. 1 faced rising talent Shelton for the first time in the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows. Prior to this, the latter had made a big impression by defeating the likes of Aslan Karatsev, Tommy Paul, and Frances Tiafoe.

Immediately after winning his quarter-final clash with Tiafoe, Shelton went viral in the tennis world for his phone gesture celebration, which involved the American pretending to pick up a receiver phone before hanging up. When asked about the move, he said he got it from his friend, professional hurdler and sprinter Grant Holloway.

However, Shelton was unable to get past tennis legend Djokovic in the semi-finals, losing the match in straight sets. In the aftermath, Djokovic divided fans by copying Shelton's phone move, with some calling it disrespectful while others stressed that it was just a bit of fun.

Nevertheless, the imitation made for a frosty handshake at the net between the pair, despite Shelton later saying he took it as a compliment.

"If you win the match you deserve to do whatever you want. As a kid growing up, I always learned that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery," he said.

Now, the duo are potentially set for a re-match at the 2023 Paris Masters, as they ended up on the same side of the draw. If they make it past their early opponents, they will meet in the third round.

Fans have shown a lot of excitement at the prospect, reacting with intrigue.

"Who’s hanging up on whom?" wrote one fan on X.

"I've got a feeling Shelton's gonna be hangin' up the phone this time" added another.

"We've seen this before from the Big 3.

Everyone: the Big server is going to take his revenge this time.

Big 3: Hit more aces. Make the opponent serve look like they're serving pies," commented a third.