Novak Djokovic, one of the all-time greats in tennis, pulled an inappropriate, petty, immature move Friday.
That’s the overwhelming consensus of sports fans on social media after the Serbian defeated American Ben Shelton in a semifinal to reach the US Open final. Djokovic, the No. 2 seed, defeated the unseeded Shelton in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (4).
Djokovic, who has 23 Grand Slam titles, will now play in his 36th Slam final, a record he already holds.
It should have been one more chance to celebrate Djokovic’s greatness, but his action immediately after match point puzzled and angered many fans.
As the crowd erupted in cheers for the legendary Djokovic, he made a motion as if he were talking on a phone, then hung it up. It was an imitation of Shelton’s celebration during the US Open, which the 20-year-old rising star explained he used to show he’s “dialed in.”
As ESPN announcer Chris Fowler immediately noted, “Djokovic mocking Shelton’s celebration from the other day, hanging up the phone.”
While Djokovic fans checked in to offer their congrats after his win, fans in general did not appreciate his mocking celebration, thinking it well beneath the dignity of one of the all-time greats.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.