Apart from Novak Djokovic‘s record-breaking title success at the US Open, there was another player who stole the headlights. He was none other than Ben Shelton. Apart from making his way into the semi-finals of the tournament and making everyone fall in love with the game, there’s one more thing that he was known for, his dialed-in celebration. That was one of the main talking points of the tournament.

However, it was not Ben Shelton who discovered this celebration. A long time ago, tennis ace Roger Federer had the same celebration. This then brings us to the point: Was Ben Shelton inspired by the celebration style of Roger Federer?

Did Ben Shelton copy the celebration style of Roger Federer at the US Open?

At the US Open 2023, Ben Shelton discovered his signature dialed-in celebration style which created big headlines. However, Roger Federer already did it a few years ago. This has since then created headlines if Shelton was really inspired by Federer or not.

Interestingly, Shelton has been a long-time Federer admirer and has always admitted it. Not only this but Federer backed On Running and also came up and signed the young American based on his sensational performances. Thus, the two have shared a long history. However, based on these factors, it is not okay to say that Shelton took inspiration from Federer and copied his celebration.

Shelton’s celebration might reflect his respect for Federer, showing how much his hero’s style impacts young players. Was it a deliberate tribute or just a natural imitation or just pure coincidence? Only Ben Shelton knows this.

Also read: Ben Shelton Receives Stellar Backing from Jannik Sinner’s Iconic Coach as the American Looks to Build on a Breakthrough Year

However, recently, Ben Shelton came ahead and revealed the real reason why he did the dialed-in celebration. But, this reason had nothing to do with his admiration for the Swiss legend.

Ben Shelton reveals the real reason behind his celebration style

Ben Shelton, in an interview earlier, revealed the real reason behind his celebration. He suggested that a lot of athletes in the track and field events did this celebration. He further revealed that one player, who was in particular the world champion three times in a row did the same thing. This inspired him to copy the same style.

“You know, the first time that I saw it I’m close friends with a lot of track and field athletes who train at the University of Florida where I live in Gainesville. One in particular, Grant Holloway, who’s won the World Championships. 

“I think three times in a row now, that’s kind of his signature thing. He loves doing this when he wins. And a lot of other athletes on the team kind of started doing it after too,” said Shelton in the interview.

Thus, Ben Shelton revealed the real reason behind his dialed-in celebration act. While Roger Federer did this celebration some time ago, it is not necessary that Shelton copied this style from the Swiss legend.

Watch this story: Roger Federer Effect Transcends Sport as Inspiring Australian Rugby League Story Proves the Tennis Legend’s Impact