On September 8, Serbian legend Novak Djokovic secured his berth in the US Open 2023 final after a mesmerising performance against the young American talent Ben Shelton.
Held at the legendary Arthur Ashe Stadium, the match saw Djokovic defeating Shelton in straight sets. The scores read 6-3, 6-2, and 7-6.
However, this match wasn't just about the victory. This triumph marked Djokovic's entry into his 36th Grand Slam final, a monumental record in the Open Era. This match also held sentimental value for Djokovic as it marked his 100th appearance at the US Open. Celebrating this monumental achievement, he registered his 87th win in men's singles at this esteemed event.
With this victory, the stage is now set for the final face-off. Djokovic will be meeting tennis maestro Daniil Medvedev, who beat defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-final.
The Celebration: Djokovic Imitates Shelton
Post his stellar performance, Djokovic displayed a delightful gesture that sent waves of amusement across the stadium. Deciding to wear his playful side on his sleeve, he imitated Shelton's 'phone' celebration. For those who missed the earlier matches, Shelton had introduced this celebration after defeating Tiafoe in the quarterfinals.
When quizzed about Djokovic using his unique celebration, Shelton exuded sportsmanship and grace.
Ben Shelton's reaction to Djokovic imitating him was heartwarming:
"I didn't see it until after the match. I don't like when I'm on social media and I see people telling me how I can or can't celebrate. 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," reflected Shelton.
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