Getty Image / Al Bello
Novak Djokovic is known almost as much for his on-court antics as he is for being one of the greatest, if not the greatest, tennis player that ever lived. And, he buoyed that reputation after his straight set win over American Ben Shelton in the semifinals of the US Open, mocking Shelton’s celebration in the process.
It came after Djokovic closed out a classic third set that saw four breaks of serve, including back-to-back breaks at 5-5 to send the match to a tiebreak. The Serbian got a big 5-1 lead in the tiebreak before the 20-year-old American clawed it back to 5-4. Djokovic won the next two points, however to close out the match, setting up the opportunity to mock Shelton.
Ice cold celebration from Ben Shelton last night. pic.twitter.com/fCFKEesqC9
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 6, 2023
Novak Djokovic hangs up the phone on Ben Shelton after completing a semifinal win at the US Open. 🎾☎️
"Djokovic mocking Shelton's celebration from the other day, hanging up the phone."- Chris Fowler pic.twitter.com/kPAaltxknw
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 8, 2023
People on Twitter were less than pleased.
He's very nasty and unsportsmanlike. The phone thing was incredibly unnecessary and shows what a jerk he is. And in case anyone is wondering why people don't like him…boom, there you go.
— Grace Montague 🌸🌷 (@E2Grace) September 8, 2023
Annoying and arrogant
— Çağkan Kabataş (@CagkanKabatas) September 8, 2023
Rather pathetic behavior for a 35 year old who has won 23 grand slams- Really. then people ask why don’t they like him sniff sniff
— Pituka OrtegaH (@pitukaortegah) September 8, 2023
Nonetheless, Novak Djokovic will advance to a ridiculous 35th grand slam final, the most ever in men’s tennis. He will look to extend his record of 23 grand slams on Sunday in a potential rematch of the French Open final and the classic Wimbledon final with Carlos Alcatraz.
On the women’s side, American youngster Coco Gauff will look to win her first grand slam on Saturday when she plays soon-to-be world number one Aryna Sabalenka.