American Ben Shelton revealed Novak Djokovic’s end-of-match celebration did not trouble him, saying “imitation is the sincerest type of flattery”.
Djokovic used his expertise to beat Shelton because the Serbian battled previous his 20-year-old challenger to succeed in his tenth US Open closing.
The 36-year-old compelled Shelton right into a forehand error on match level and made a not-so-subtle jab at his favoured celebration as he mimicked hanging up the phone whereas strolling to the web.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Djokovic mimicked Shelton’s ‘dialled in’ celebration after beating the American in straight units within the US Open semi-final
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Highlights of Djokovic’s straight-sets victory towards Shelton
Shelton received an NCAA singles title for the College of Florida final 12 months and captured consideration over the previous two weeks by flexing his biceps and pretending his hand is an old-style phone handset that he slams down – a routine he borrowed from former Florida observe and discipline athlete Grant Holloway, a world champion hurdler.
Shelton stated he had not seen Djokovic’s transfer till after the match – however added that he wouldn’t inform one other opponent have fun.
“I do not like once I’m on social media and I see folks telling me how I can have fun or cannot have fun. I believe when you win the match, you need to do no matter you need,” Shelton stated with a smile.
“As a child rising up, I all the time realized that imitation is the sincerest type of flattery, in order that’s all I’ve to say about that.”
Djokovic was taking part in in his a hundredth US Open match, whereas unseeded Shelton was participating his first main semi-final and solely his seventh profession match on the match.
“He is a man who can compete on the highest stage, has an analogous mentality to me on the court docket, with how he needs to come back after you and be aggressive and present his emotion,” Shelton stated.
“It was actually cool to see that matchup for the primary time. Trying ahead to hopefully getting it once more.”
Djokovic, who disconnected Shelton’s dream, stated: “I simply love Ben’s celebration. I believed it was very authentic, and I copied him. I stole his celebration.”
Bodily I’ve been as match as I’ve been in years and years. I nonetheless really feel that I am within the sport.
Novak Djokovic warns his younger rivals
The three-time US Open champion is one win away from a twenty fourth main title and changing into the oldest winner within the Open period, surpassing Ken Rosewall who was 35 when he received the title in 1970.
“Look, these are the type of matches and events that I nonetheless thrive on, that encourage me to get up day-after-day and work laborious,” Djokovic stated.
“Grand slams are an important, those that imply essentially the most to me. Enjoying an American participant isn’t straightforward and I needed to maintain my nerve. It was anyone’s sport on the finish of the third set. I am actually happy with this win at the moment.”
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Djokovic and Shelton went toe-to-toe on this epic 30-shot rally…
Djokovic added he was “not stunned” in any respect that at even on the age of 36 he nonetheless capable of compete towards the subsequent era and nonetheless attain 4 Grand Slam finals in a 12 months.
“It in all probability sounds cocky or smug, however I am not likely stunned, as a result of I understand how a lot work and dedication and power I put into attempting to be on this place, so I do know that I deserve this,” he stated.
“I all the time imagine in myself, in my very own capabilities, in my abilities, in my high quality as a tennis participant to have the ability to ship when it issues.
“Bodily I’ve been as match as I’ve been in years and years. I nonetheless really feel that I am within the sport.”
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Djokovic stated he thrives in large matches after defeating Shelton
The US Open on Sky Sports activities
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Roger Federer has showcased his excellent through-the-leg ‘tweener’ pictures on a number of events on the US Open
Tennis is again on Sky, including to the present sports activities portfolio and reaffirming the broadcaster as the house of dwell sport within the UK & Eire.
Sky Sports activities’ new combined actuality studio options a number of customized constructed LED screens, built-in gentle ‘sabres’, and an open cover roof, making the area alive with color and power to replicate the vibrancy of the final Grand Slam of the 12 months.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Rafael Nadal hit an unbelievable shot round internet towards Marin Cilic in 2019, a lot to Tiger Woods’ delight
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Relive Andy Murray’s rollercoaster profession on the US Open, which noticed him declare his maiden main title in 2012
With built-in AR capabilities, a flexible LED flooring, and a ‘fourth wall’, the viewer will likely be transported to the Arthur Ashe Stadium in a 360-degree immersive surroundings. Our tennis consultants will take the viewer into the eyes of the gamers for professional Hawkeye evaluation and perception because the match progresses.
The know-how concerned permits us so as to add a complete new dimension and can convey prospects nearer to the motion.
Highlights of matches will likely be out there throughout Sky Sports activities TV and our social media platforms.
Video highlights can even be out there of the Sky Sports activities web site and app, the place there can even be a every day dwell textual content commentary on the Sky Sports activities web site and app, in addition to dwell scores, stories, evaluation and options.
Stream the US Open on Sky Sports activities with NOW. Cancel anytime.