Google News
Nick Kyrgios described Novak Djokovic's post-match celebration against Ben Shelton as "cold." Moments after completing a three-set win over USA's Ben Shelton in front of a sold-out Arthur Ashe Stadium, Djokovic imitated the 20-year-old American's "hang up the phone" celebration.
Djokovic's celebration drew attention and quickly went viral as some felt the record 23-time Grand Slam champion was trolling Shelton. "COLD (six snowflake emojis)," Kyrgios wrote on X.
COLD ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️ https://t.co/IeWH6GtAFj — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) September 9, 2023
Kyrgios calls Djokovic's celebration against Shelton 'cold'
To no one's surprise, Djokovic was asked about his celebration in his post-match press conference.
Addressing his celebration, Djokovic insisted he did it just because he was actually a fan of that celebration. "I just love Ben's celebration. I thought it was very original, and I copied him. I stole his celebration," Djokovic said after the match.
Meanwhile, Shelton also didn't have problems with Djokovic's celebration. "I don't like when I'm on social media and I see people telling me how I can celebrate or can't celebrate. 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," Shelton said when asked about Djokovic's celebration. Meanwhile, Djokovic was thrilled with the performance he delivered against Shelton as the Serb underlined he knew it wouldn't be easy playing an American in the US Open semifinal.
"I knew prior to the quarter-finals that I would play an American player and that is never easy. To control the nerves and be composed in the moments that matter. Today things were going really smoothly for me and then he broke back and it was anyones game at the end of the third set.
This is the kind of atmosphere we all like to play in, so I am really, really pleased with this win today," Djokovic said after beating Shelton.
• Nick Kyrgios candidly addresses 'trauma' of carjacker holding his mother at gunpoint• Nick Kyrgios opens up on helping depressed, suicidal people after winning his battle • Jannik Sinner gets an almost impossible record against Novak Djokovic• Alex Michelsen tells why he wants to play Novak Djokovic and how would that go• Nick Kyrgios reveals move Andy Murray made after noticing signs of self-harm on him• 2023 In Review: Novak Djokovic returns to Adelaide after 16 years
