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In the world of tennis, where each match is a thrilling contest and every win is a triumph, it’s often the little quirks and unique celebrations that make the sport unforgettable. Meet Ben Shelton, the 20-year-old tennis sensation who not only wowed fans with his incredible tennis skills but also grabbed everyone’s attention with a simple yet captivating celebration. He pretended to answer a phone call and then hang it up during his win at the US Open.

However, this ‘Dialed-in’ move took a fun turn just a day later. Novak Djokovic copied Shelton’s move right after he defeated him in the semifinals of the US Open. While this move by Djokovic ruffled a lot of feathers in the tennis world, Shelton is still looking forward to embracing the move even at the Laver Cup.

Ben Shelton with his ‘Dialed-In’ move

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After his win over Frances Tiafoe in New York, Shelton pretended to answer a phone call and hang it up, and it quickly became a social media sensation. Even Novak Djokovic, the world’s number one player, couldn’t resist trying it out during their semi-final match, leading some to wonder if he was taunting Shelton.

 

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Now here we are, mere hours away from Laver Cup 2023, and Ben Shelton’s teammates, Tommy Paul, and alternate Christopher Eubanks, are excited about bringing back the celebration. Eubanks enthusiastically said, “For sure. The first 140 that comes up, I?m jumping up like this.? Paul, who lost to Shelton at the US Open, agreed, saying, “Hell yeah, are you kidding me?”?But Shelton is being careful.

ALSO READ: Moments After Novak Djokovic?s Obnoxious Act, 20YO Ben Shelton Keeps His Poise With a Stern ?Flattery? Jibe Aimed at His US Open Rival

The young gun knows this celebration might cause trouble if his opponents use it against him – like Djokovic in the past. He jokingly said, “But it’s gonna hurt if one of these guys clinches a match on my head and goes.” This ‘Dialed-in’ celebration caused an uproar at the US Open. But where did it all start and where did the story go?

Celebration or disrespect? Shelton weighs in on the discussion.

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Shelton’s phone celebration sparked mixed reactions at the US Open. Some saw it as a playful expression of victory, while others thought it was disrespectful to his opponents. Shelton soon explained what inspired the gesture. He talked about how his move meant that he was ‘Dialed-in’ or focused on the match. He also shared his discomfort with the criticism he faced on social media, but he then quashed these comments by saying that people cannot tell him how he can or can’t celebrate after a win.

via Imago

Novak Djokovic’s decision to imitate the celebration after defeating Shelton in the US Open semi-final added fuel to the fire. Shelton, however, remained composed, saying, “As a kid growing up, I always learned that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so that’s all I have to say about that.”

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As the Laver Cup draws nearer, the tennis world eagerly awaits the return of Ben Shelton’s phone celebration. While it promises to add some fun and nostalgia to the event, Shelton is keeping an eye on his opponents.

WATCH THIS STORY: ?He?s a Perfectionist.?- Days After Novak Djokovic?s Friendship Bomb on Roger Federer. Ex- Excoach?s Blunt Revelation Shows Mysterious Similarities Between the Two Tennis Legends