The first-time Grand Slam semi-finalist Ben Shelton lost to Novak Djokovic in straight sets. Shelton had the honor to play his first major semis on his home turf. The support he received was huge, and the crowd went wild for him in the last set. The American tried his best to win the third set and take the match to the fourth, but the Serb hanged Shelton’s and America’s hopes. When the young ATP star defeated Frances Tiafoe in the quarter-finals, his telephone-miming celebration went viral.
Djokovic, who is known for being one of a kind, returned the American’s gesture after he defeated the young champ. The Serb’s dialing sparked a fire on Twitter as fans went into a frenzy at his action.
Novak Djokovic gets brutally trolled for mimicking Ben Shelton
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Djoker usually goes for a wild celebration after his wins, but he chose to mock his 20-year-old opponent after knocking him out to reach the US Open final. The crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium made their stance clear as they cheered for their compatriot, celebrating his every point. They did not give up on the Top-50 champion, who would soon achieve his career-high ranking. So when the new World No.1 mocked him by returning his quarter-final celebration gesture, Twitterattis showed no mercy in calling out the Serb for his ruthless gesture. The US Open’s Twitter account tweeted, “THIS LEAGUE! THIS LEAGUE! THIS LEAGUE!”?
THIS LEAGUE! THIS LEAGUE! THIS LEAGUE! pic.twitter.com/M39UlKWfxu
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2023
This Twitter post irked fans as they minced no words against the 23-time major champion. Fans despised Djokovic for hanging the phone on young Shelton and even hoped that Carlos Alcaraz would bring him down for being rude to an opponent who is 16 years younger than him.
One fan brought up Djokovic’s cold silence after winning the Wimbledon Championships against Roger Federer in 2019. He added that the Serb gave up putting effort into being liked ages ago.
“And he wonders why he isn’t liked more…”
Unfortunately, I’m pretty sure he gave up trying to be liked long ago and has been gobbling up Grand Slams since. 😬
Just as ice cold as his non-celebration after winning Wimbledon in 2019, imo. https://t.co/FjLA32IyDG
— Jeff Donaldson (@jdd_sports) September 8, 2023
Another user tweeted that Djokovic made her come to senses after she finally started respecting his talent. She was displeased by Djokovic disrespecting young Shelton.
I appreciate Djokovic for reminding me what a jerk he is. Was just starting to let my respect for his game turn into actual like for him but I'm recovered now
There's a difference between showing an understandable dislike for the fans and unnecessary disrespect for Ben #USOpen https://t.co/AKTIBf9gEx
— Cozy Blackbird (@thatsoleelee) September 8, 2023
The 2023 NTRP National champion hoped Alcaraz would show the Serb his place and put an end to his arrogance.
I hope Carlos whoops his arrogant fucking ass. https://t.co/yLQxbwa9AH
— Casey Schnabel (@CaseyTennis) September 8, 2023
Another fan took a dig at the Djoker for being rude to the 20-year-old kid.
what is he doing lowering himself to the height of a 20-year-old kid? pathetic. https://t.co/918tysCGiw
— carlos (@tsitsichard) September 8, 2023
A tennis lover turned on his sarcastic mode as he described all the qualities of ‘Novax’ that don’t exist.
But I thought Novax was the most gracious, humble, and respectful tennis player to ever walk the face of the earth?
— 🎾nebby🎾 (@1gamesetmatch) September 8, 2023
Another tennis devotee pointed out that Shelton’s cold handshake indicated that he was displeased with Djokovic’s gesture.
Ben didn’t like it … what a cold handshake 🤝🥶📞 https://t.co/CNEpaLkAcG
— EdouardRogerVasselin (@ERogerVasselin) September 8, 2023
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A fan made the difference in the Serb’s and the American’s age clear, as she called out Djokovic for attempting a Gen-Z act and failing miserably.
please it’s like gen x trying a tiktok dance from gen z https://t.co/qGe1up1B3u
— j 🥨🧀🃏 (@user479036178) September 8, 2023
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Djokovic faced an unsupportive crowd numerous times in his career, and Americans left no stone unturned in displaying their loyalty to Shelton. Despite winning points, the Serb was not cheered by the crowd, and he showed his displeasure at the crowd and his opponent. Shelton was also visibly frustrated when he was mocked after his loss. It was the young champion’s first career-defining run, and it definitely did not end well for him, as Novak Djokovic ensured a swift dismissal.
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