Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic takes public swipe at American rival ahead of Australian Open
- Djokovic lashes out at American Ben Shelton
- Serbian star says the youngster did not behave correctly
- The pair could meet at the Australian Open this week
Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic has criticized rival star Ben Shelton during his Australian Open media day appearances, saying the youngster was ‘not behaving properly’.
The world number 1 and Shelton crossed paths at the US Open last year, with the Serbian star imitating the American’s signature telephone gesture.
Shelton celebrates to show that he is ‘dialed in’ and Djokovic admitted after winning the match that he copied it.
‘I thought it was very original and copied it. I stole his party,” Djokovic said at the time.
Now Djokovic has admitted that the act affected him and that Shelton ‘didn’t behave properly’.
Novak Djokovic has slammed rival Ben Shelton for his behavior in their last match
The Serbian star copied the American’s celebratory gesture the last time they met
“It was a reaction against him, he did not behave correctly, with respect, on the court and before the match,” Djokovic said. L’Equipe.
“If someone puts themselves in the unsportsmanlike zone, I will respond.”
When asked if he felt offended at the time, the 20-year-old denied he had any hard feelings.
“I didn’t see it until after the game,” Shelton told reporters. “I don’t like it when I’m on social media and I see people telling me how I can or can’t celebrate,” the Atlanta native continued.
“If you win the match, you deserve to do what you want. As a child I was always taught that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.’
The pair could meet in the fourth round of the Australian Open later this week after the youngster was drawn in the Djokovic side of the draw.
Djokovic will look to defend his title and aim for his 25th grand slam, putting him even further ahead of Rafael Nadal’s total of 22.
Djokovic won his tenth Australian Open title last year after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6, 7-6.
Djokovic said the 20-year-old American did not behave properly on court
“I just hope I can start the season in a way that I’ve started my seasons, most of my seasons, throughout my career with a win here in Australia, in Melbourne,” he said.
‘It is undoubtedly my favorite place: the court where I have done great things and achieved my best Grand Slam results.’