![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/WhatsApp-Image-2023-09-16-at-1.37.08-PM-1.jpeg?width=600)
via Imago
Image credits – Imago
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/WhatsApp-Image-2023-09-16-at-1.37.08-PM-1.jpeg?width=600)
via Imago
Image credits – Imago
Novak Djokovic had a triumphant campaign at the US Open but it was his semifinal match that attracted a lot of controversies. The Serbian tennis star’s encounter with the American, Ben Shelton was nothing less of a drama owing to a post-match gesture. After thumping the tennis prodigy in three comfortable sets, the ‘Djoker’ imitated his ‘dial-in’ celebration in front of a jam-packed crowd.
However, the Serb’s light-hearted moves later became a target of scrutiny from the tennis community as they questioned his sportsmanship. Joining the list is Shelton’s father himself who recently accused the 24-time singles Grand Slam champion of mocking his son. Djokovic’s close friend, Nick Kyrgios, on the other hand, has now come forward and rubbished the American’s assertions over the Serb’s gestures.
Nick Kyrgios reacts to Ben Shelton’s father’s criticism of Novak Djokovic
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The ATP legend’s copycat move has undoubtedly angered his US Open opponent’s father Bryant according to his recent revelations in an interview with GQ magazine. Shelton’s father claimed that the ‘Djoker’ imitated his son’s ‘dial in’ celebration with the sole intention of ridiculing him.
Bryant further said that the Serb’s post-victory gesture was “too bad” considering that he is one of the greatest players in the tennis realm. In light of his bold assertions, Nick Kyrgios recently took to Twitter to express his blunt and opposing views on Shelton’s father’s criticism of his colleague.
He tweeted, “SO WHAT?!?!? SPORT IS ENTERTAINMENT. WE AREN’T ROBOTS. MORE PEOPLE SPOKE ABOUT THE CELEBRATION THEN THE MATCH 😂”
SO WHAT?!?!? SPORT IS ENTERTAINMENT. WE AREN’T ROBOTS. MORE PEOPLE SPOKE ABOUT THE CELEBRATION THEN THE MATCH 😂 https://t.co/SIWS7WRb6O
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) September 15, 2023
The Aussie tennis star, known for his no-filter demeanor both on and off the court, claimed that athletes aren’t “robots” and that sport is for “entertainment”.
While Kyrgios has rubbished his criticism, another tennis star has given a thumbs up to the imitation of the American youngster’s celebration.
The WTA superstar reacts to Djokovic’s cold copycat move
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Many in the tennis community have now been questioning the 24-time singles Grand Slam champion’s sportsmanship and ethics after his imitation of his 20-year-old American colleague. However, the British WTA sensation, Emma Raducanu has a different opinion on the bold post-match gestures according to her recent social media post.
While sharing a picture of her male counterpart copying Shelton’s ‘phone call’ actions, the former British No. 1 issued her stamp of approval on Instagram.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-09-09T035305Z_1332212598_MT1USATODAY16710697_RTRMADP_3_TENNIS-US-OPEN.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 8, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Novak Djokovic of Serbia gestures to the crowd after winning a game in the third set against Matteo Berrettini of Italy on day ten of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
What do you think of the tennis stars Kyrgios and Raducanu supporting the Serbian tennis legend’s cold celebration? Let us know in the comments section.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this story – Roger Federer Effect Transcends Sport as Inspiring Australian Rugby League Story Proves the Tennis Legend’s Impact