‘You've got to pick your battles’ - Ben Shelton reacts as journalist reminds heated rivalry with Djokovic over ‘dialed-in’ celebration at US Open 2023

Novak Djokovic and Ben Shelton share a fierce rivalry, which was ignited in the semi-final of the previous edition of the US Open. The Serbian crushed Shelton in three straight sets in front of the home crowd and mimicked the 21-year-old's infamous 'dialled-in' celebration.

In the ongoing 2024 US Open, both advanced to the third round and are a possibility for them to meet again at Flushing Meadows. With this in mind, at a recent press conference, a journalist reminded the Americans of the controversial incident against Djokovic. 

Shelton was outclassed in the first two sets (6-3, 6-2) before he was offered some resistance to force a tiebreaker in the third set. The young lad was broken twice in the set but managed to bounce back followed by brave celebrations backed by the strong support of the crowd.   

Djokovic, however, prevailed and replicated his rival’s ‘dialled-in’ celebration, which he produced after defeating Frances Tiafoe in the quarter-finals. The incident sparked controversy, but Djokovic said in the post-match press conference that he copied the celebration because he liked it.

Meanwhile, Shelton responded in a witty manner in his presser: “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!”

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Don't think it deterred me from being who I am: Ben Shelton 

When asked about the incident during the ongoing event, Shelton defended himself by claiming that his actions were an act of self-love. 

"I think that was just kind of me being myself. Me giving some shout-outs to my friends. I think that it's something that I guess wasn't taken the way that I wanted it to be, but I don't think it deterred me from being who I am,” Ben Shelton said.

"I'm always going to be somebody who doesn't back away from a challenge or get quiet when I get pressed. That's just not the type of person I am. You've got to pick your battles, you know, choose your moments to get loud,” he added.

The American is set to face Frances Tiafoe in the third round after defeating Roberto Bautista Agut on Wednesday. On the other hand, Djokovic will face Alexei Popyrin of Australia. If both clear the third-round hurdle, we could witness a rematch of the 2023 edition.

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