Since his first Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open two weeks ago, Ben Shelton’s name has been all over social media. Unfortunately for him, the attention’s been on his attitude, celebrations, and personality, and less about the exciting tennis he’s displayed during his first full year as a tennis pro.
“People who say things like this – casuals on tennis Twitter – if they really knew me, I don’t think they’d say them,” responds the 20-year-old American.
Upon defeating Shelton in the semi-final, Novak Djokovic mimicked the celebration Shelton had originally pulled out after beating Frances Tiafoe the previous round.
Ben Shelton’s reaction after beating Frances Tiafoe to reach his first Grand Slam semifinal at the US Open.
He picks up the phone & hangs it up. 📞
Coldblooded. 🇺🇸 🥶 pic.twitter.com/XGf59Lne2k
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 6, 2023
Novak Djokovic hangs up the phone on Ben Shelton after beating him at the US Open. 📞🥶 pic.twitter.com/aTnjVFDWHY
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 8, 2023
A response from Shelton’s dad hasn’t helped:
Ben Shelton’s dad shared his thoughts on Novak Djokovic copying his son’s signature celebration after beating him in the US Open semis. pic.twitter.com/u6yLO5dYSr
— ESPN (@espn) September 15, 2023
“My dad’s old school. If I had done the same thing, he probably would’ve said the same to me.”
Shelton’s final word on all of this: “I had no problem with anything Novak (Djokovic) did. It’s sports. It’s competition at the highest level. For anyone who says I’m arrogant or cocky, I’d say they don’t know me too well.”
Shelton, who’s in Vancouver this week for the Laver Cup, is excited to be back in the team atmosphere he experienced playing at the University of Florida.
Ben Shelton meets Canucks star Elias Pettersson (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
“It’s been one of the things I’ve missed most being on the pro tour,” says Shelton, who helped lead the Gators to a national championship. “In college tennis you look down and you see five guys cheering for you, wanting you to win at any cost. It can help you get over the hump, get past physical tiredness or frustration.”
Shelton says playing on a team teaches tennis players to be selfless and to play for each other.
“The way I’m loud and the way I support my teammates from the sidelines, I think I’ll be a good addition to the team, as well as being on the court.”
Team World, which won the Laver Cup last year for the first time in the event’s five-year history, will be hoping to repeat this year, with Shelton’s help.
Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime will be making his third appearance at the Laver Cup, while fellow countryman Milos Raonic will be on the team for the second time.
Oh, and back to the now iconic Shelton celebration… he may have started something.
Lorenzo Musetti did the famous Ben Shelton/Novak Djokovic phone celebration after he won his match at the Davis Cup.
The trend has started & it can’t be stopped. 📞😂 pic.twitter.com/ZZGuEH9cwN
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 15, 2023
Fabio Fognini imitating the celebration of Shelton/Djokovic to send a message to the Team Captain of Italy, Filippo Volandri, who did not call him up for the Davis Cup. 📞
A few days ago, Fognini expressed his disappointment with the decision to replace him with other players.… pic.twitter.com/ydoqszkYhF
— Relevant Tennis (@RelevantTennis) September 10, 2023
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