Novak Djokovic ended Ben Shelton’s run at the 2023 US Open on Friday. The Serb also did the equivalent of swiping his opponent’s glass slipper.
The 23-time Grand Slam winner dispatched Shelton 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 to punch his ticket to the US Open final at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, N.Y.
After sealing the win, Djokovic mimicked the 20-year-old’s phone celebration (video here).
Shelton did not exactly seem enthused to see one of tennis’ all-time greats use his own celebration against him.
Djokic was asked about the viral moment during the post-match press conference. The US Open finalist gave a rather interesting response.
“I just love Ben’s celebration, said I thought it was very original and I copied him. I stole his celebration,” Djokovic said.
https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1700301715239772603
Djokovic tried to be playful and seemed to answer facetiously about the stolen celebration. But nonetheless, the move was certainly a cold way to close out Shelton’s campaign. Both Djokovic’s on-court moment and response were very on-brand for one of tennis’ most unabashed figures.
Djokovic’s win sets up a rematch against Daniil Medvedev. The Russian bested Djokovic in the 2021 US Open final, denying the Serb a chance at winning all four majors in the same year.
