Djokovic tries to tone down the controversy and explains why he imitated Shelton

Djokovic tries to tone down the controversy and explains why he imitated Shelton
© Mike Stobe / Stringer Getty Images Sport

Nova Djokovic tried to tone down the controversy and he explains why he imitated Ben Shelton after his won at the US semifinal match. The Serbian champion once again becomes the protagonist with a gesture that has caused discussion.An exultation that did not go unnoticed at all.

Novak Djokovic imitated the gesture used by Ben Shelton in the previous matches at the end of the semi-final at the US Open. An episode that got the fans talking: Nole answered and ended the phone call, at the end of the splendid performance shown on the Arthur Ashe Stadium, who tried to support their American favorite to accomplish a real feat.The story has practically divided public opinion, there are many debates among enthusiasts about what happened.

The explanation at the press conference

The Serbian champion, who will return to number one in the rankings from Monday, explained in the press conference the reason that pushed him to repeat this action. The 36-year-old from Belgrade replied to the question, laughing about it: “I liked it.

I loved the celebration Ben used, so I thought it was pretty original and decided to copy it. Yes, I stole his celebration.”He didn’t even have to wait for the opinion of the person directly involved on Djokovic’s celebration: “I didn’t see it until after the match.

I don’t like it when I’m on social media and I see people telling me how I can or can’t celebrate. If you win the game, you deserve to do whatever you want. As a child I learned that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” declared the American player, with a smile on his lips.Shelton also said about Djokovic: “Djokovic can compete at the highest level: he has a similar mentality to me on the court.

He shows his emotions and I think it was nice to play this match for the first time. I can’t wait to face him again. I tried to approach the match with an open mind. I always watched Djokovic on television when I was little, but I entered the court as if I were challenging any other player.

I think Novak has a little more energy than other players I’ve faced.”Here is the video released by the US Open: