Ben Shelton recently managed to make a head start at the Italian Open. In his opening match against Pavel Kotov, the young American showed absolute dominance by taking him down in a three-setter, helping fans regain faith in his potential. However, soon after the victory, the tennis star copied his opponent’s unique celebration in a fun way and therefore gave another reason for the fans to celebrate his win more passionately.
Minutes after the incident, TennisTV’s official X handle posted a glimpse of the incident and therefore invited the fans’ attention. The admirers took the opportunity as a priority and came forward to appreciate the rising levels of the 21-year-old.
Reflecting on Shelton’s performance in his last match, a fan came forward to regard him as a “true gem” as he wrote, “American tennis fans are lucky to have him #ibi24.”
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ben shelton is a gem and American tennis fans are lucky to have him #ibi24 https://t.co/efY99DkJ32
— dreaming of horses (@thatzebraguy_) May 10, 2024
Pressing on the moment where the young American mimicked his opponent’s celebration, a fan approved that he, “ended that clown”. When Shelton realized he had won, he pumped his fist in a downward motion, the joy of victory clear on his face.
The celebration 😭😭 ended that clown https://t.co/stKHWOQ9ug
— Thiago (@shapovalover_) May 10, 2024
“The way Ben’s matches always have the drama,” a comment said, adoring Shelton for the fact that he provides fans with not just high sporting levels but also a complete show. “He is the main character I fear,” the fan added.
The way Ben's matches always have the drama. He is the main character I fear. https://t.co/TpsGkaRFI5
— Liz (@AtheistjLiz) May 10, 2024
A fan, appreciating young Ben for the complete entertainment that he provided the fans with, wrote, “Crowd clearly behind him!” When it looked like things might be quieting down, the American youngster made a ‘come on’ gesture at the crowd, raising the noise.
Crowd clearly behind him! Love to see it! 😍❤️
— LaWanda (@lawanda50) May 10, 2024
“Yall can never make me hate this kid,” a fan wrote, seeming to be deeply adoring the 21-year-old for his overall presence. Not only does he make wins seem effortless, he also makes it entertaining!
Yall can never make me hate this kid https://t.co/u1ME8kf0Lh
— food4thought (@food4thought_8) May 10, 2024
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Not just these but many other comments fell in line, proving that Ben Shelton not only won the match but thousands of hearts with his performance in Rome. However, the vibe went completely different when Novak Djokovic once imitated his celebration.
When Ben Shelton “did not behave” with Novak Djokovic
Ben Shelton played one of the biggest matches of his career back in the US Open 2023. The tennis star swiftly made it to the final where he had to face the wrath of Novak Djokovic. The Serb, who seemed to be in a dominant form, managed to secure a win over the young American and copied his phone call celebration to tease him.
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Soon after this happened, the Serb had to face multiple questions from different people, including the media, fans, and Shelton’s father as well. Taking a firm stand to defend his image, the Serb gave out the reason for doing it as he stated, “It was a reaction against [Shelton]. He did not behave properly, with respect, on court, and before the match.”
While it took long for the controversy to be buried under the soil, it doesn’t seem like Shelton’s act in his last match will have to go through a similar situation.