Tennis News: Major Novak Djokovic Challenge Comes in the Way of Ben Shelton Ahead of Much-Anticipated Australian Open

The main draw of the Australian Open has commenced, and we already have our first major bout. Ben Shelton, the player who rose through the ranks last year, will face a monumental task in the first Slam of the year. He will have to face Novak Djokovic. The Serbinator, who comes to Melbourne as the defending champion, will look to have a rematch of their 2023 US Open semifinal.

The US Open semifinal bout between Shelton and Djokovic ended up becoming highly controversial. Many expected Shelton to be the victor, but Djokovic ended his hopes of advancing in straight sets. But drama ensued after the match and will continue in Australia.

Ben Shelton to likely face Novak Djokovic in round 4

The world waited on bated breath for the main draws of the Australian Open. Now that we have it, the excitement for the tournament has doubled. Young ATP gun Ben Shelton has a chance of facing Novak Djokovic. For the Djoker, it is a chance to maintain his winning streak against Shelton. For the American player, it is a shot at revenge.

While Djokovic will face a qualifier in his round 1 bout. In round 2, he is likely to face the Australian Alexei Popyrin. Round 3 bout can also create much excitement as he can face old rival, Andy Murray. Further going on into the final, Djokovic can face either one of Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Holger Rune, or Alexander Zverev. 

The Serbian champion has a splendid chance of defending his title. However, his round 4 bout will be one of his most watched if he goes on to play against Ben Shelton. 

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The drama from their previous bout is still fresh in the minds of tennis fans. Their next bout could see Shelton’s iconic celebration getting busted out once again.

Shelton vs Djokovic drama

The previous bout of Shelton and Djokovic created much buzz as it pits one of the sport’s greatest players with the player who set a record for some of the fastest serves in the US Open. While many hoped the new kid would win, the Djoker took the cake and pulled off Shelton’s celebration of hanging up the phone. The moment became highly controversial as the American media covered it as an incident of bullying.

Djokovic’s fans defended the move, stating it was just a celebration. The drama of the moment continued for a long period but eventually died down as time went on. Now, with the possibility of the two playing against each other, there is another chance of witnessing such a moment.

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