Patrick McEnroe shuts down criticism directed at Novak Djokovic over phone act

• Tennis News
• Novak Djokovic

Patrick McEnroe says "nothing wrong" happened between Novak Djokovic and Ben Shelton following their US Open match. After Djokovic beat Shelton 6-3 6-2 7-6 (4) in the US Open, the Serb imitated the American's "hanging up the phone" celebration.

Djokovic's celebration drew attention, with some deeming it as mocking of Shelton. Reflecting on that moment, McEnroe didn't see anything controversial there but just Djokovic "putting Shelton in his place." "People commenting on the conclusion of the Djokovic-Shelton match.

So let me say a couple of things about it. First of all, I love Shelton's attitude. I love what he brings to the table. I love his exuberance. And I love that he came to play in that third set. I also love what Djokovic did with the phone thing.

I thought it was very funny. I thought it was also his way of sort of putting Shelton in his place as if to say, 'welcome to the big time.' Because let's be honest, Shelton had no chance to win the match. And the icy handshake, nothing wrong with that from both guys.

This is what tennis needs. This is what people like to see. And I say, great job to both guys," McEnroe said in a video uploaded on his X account.

McEnroe didn't see anything controversial after the Djokovic-Shelton match

After beating Shelton in straight sets, Djokovic dismissed the claims that he was mocking Shelton with his celebration.

According to Djokovic, he pulled the celebration because he actually finds it interesting. “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 had no problems with Djokovic's celebration. "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.