Nick Kyrgios defends Novak Djokovic as Serb accused of ‘mocking’ Ben Shelton

Nick Kyrgios has hit out at Ben Shelton’s dad for being upset over Novak Djokovic copying the American’s phone celebration after their US Open semi-final contest. Shelton loved a dream run to the ultimate 4 of his residence slam and caught the eye of many together with his trademark cellphone celebration.

Shelton celebrated his win over countryman Frances Tiafoe with a phone gesture and pretending to hold it up. Djokovic clearly cherished it too because the world No 1 imitated the celebration after beating Shelton of their semi-final conflict.

The Serbian tennis star held his hand as much as his ear earlier than hanging it up in the very same trend as Shelton had carried out in his victories. Shelton did not seem too upset about Djokovic stealing his celebration, insisting after the match “that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”.

But the American teen’s dad did not share his son’s emotions on Djokovic’s choice. Bryan Shelton advised GQ Sports: “He needs to be cherished a lot, Novak. He wished to mock Ben on the finish. It wasn’t one thing he was doing simply to repeat Ben.

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“It was to mock him. And that’s too bad, for that to come from such a great champion.” However, Kyrgios has caught up for Djokovic by hitting out at Shelton’s father on social media.

Kyrgios wrote on X: “SO WHAT?!?!? SPORT IS ENTERTAINMENT. WE AREN’T ROBOTS.