The Serbian Novak Djokovic36 years old and world No. 1, and the American Ben Shelton, 21 and No. 16, is already in the second round of the Australian Open. Parallel path that can be crossed in the round of 16 tie. This will be one of the most painful matches of this Grand Slam, as war has been declared between both sides.
Djokovic underlined the pique, finally confessing why he imitated the classic act of celebration of Ben Shelton after defeating him in the semifinals of the US Open. The champion then made a gesture to pick up the phone and put it down with his right hand. In his case, there was violence. Seemingly a challenge, their subsequent greeting online was more than protocol, of mutual indifference.
In New York ‘No’ He avoided the controversy, which he revived in an interview with L’Équipe before Australia. “This is my reaction to a provocation against him. He did not behave appropriately, with respect, neither on court nor before the match,” Djokovic said of that event.
“If someone puts themselves in the unsportsmanlike zone, I react. I would never laugh at other people if they didn’t do it first,” Balkan said.
Shelton He was one of the hot tennis players on the court, constantly gesticulating and shouting, but no anger was seen against him. Djokovic not before or during the meeting. Then he chose irony. “Imitation is the sincerest form of praise,” he declared.
His father and coach, the former ATP player Brian Shelton, attacked Djokovic directly. “He wanted to make fun of Ben. It wasn’t an imitation, it was a mockery.
Ben Shelton that gesture was taken from the phone of athlete Grant Holloway, world champion of 110 meters hurdles and partner of sports activities at the university Florida Gators. He said it was also a wink from afar to his childhood friends, whom he talked to on the phone to go out together.
Sparks can fly in a confrontation Djokovic-Sheltonalthough the North American did not want to heat up the issue further after losing Roberto Bautista. At the press conference he did not want to directly answer Djokovic’s last words.
“I can’t say anything more about that situation, which I’ve been asked about for the last few months. I want to leave it at that and hope. We’re in the Australian Open, the US Open is behind us,” said Ben Shelton.
“I like to feel like I’m having fun on the court. Everyone can have their opinion about how I am or how I act,” he said. War between the two was declared. They want to measure themselves face to face again.
There are two more rounds in between. This Wednesday Djokovic will play against Alexei Popyrin and Shelton, facing another Australian, Christopher O’Connell.
Source: La Verdad
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