Novak Djokovic sends Ben Shelton message by imitating phone celebration after US Open win

Hang on, or hang up?

Both apply to Novak Djokovic’s semifinal win over Ben Shelton at the US Open Friday.

“I just love Ben's celebration,” said Djokovic, barely containing his smile in press. “I thought it was very original, and I copied him. I stole his celebration.”

After winning the first two sets without much resistance, the Serbian hung out to avoid a fourth set after seeing a break lead disappear and later facing a set point against the 20-year-old. While uncharacteristic errors contributed to the dip, Djokovic raced out to a 5-1 lead in the tie-break, a cushion he needed to finish off a 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (4) victory.

“I didn't see it until after the match,” Shelton said in his post-match press conference. “You know, I don't like when I'm on social media and I see people telling me how I can celebrate or can't celebrate. You know, I think if you win the match, you deserve to do whatever you want.

“As a kid growing up, I always learned that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so that's all I have to say about that.”

What followed was a message to the 20-year-old.

In the previous round, the 2022 NCAA singles champion pulled out an intriguing landline phone celebration inspired by three-time 110m hurdle world champion Grant Holloway—a fellow former University of Florida student athlete—after getting the better of Frances Tiafoe Tuesday night. For Shelton, it represents both nostalgic memories and being present in the moment.

“Our home phone, when I was growing up in Atlanta, was one like that. If I wanted to talk to my friends or call their home phone, see if they wanted to go outside and throw a football, that was what I did. For me it's kind of like I'm saying I'm dialed in,” he said Tuesday night.

“(It's) something that connects me to my friends back home.”

After closing out Shelton, Djokovic imitated that very same gesture. Making a phone with his right hand, Djokovic held it up near his ear for a few seconds, then threw his arm down to signal the hanging up. Perhaps a reminder that no one is more dialed-in when it comes to tie-breaks or best-of-five set tennis.

On Sunday, Djokovic will seek his third major title of the year and 24th of his career—a feat that would tie the all-time record held by Margaret Court. The 36-year-old awaits Daniil Medvedev, who denied him a calendar-year Grand Slam here two years ago. Medvedev overcame 2022 champion Carlos Alcaraz, 7-6 (3), 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.