Ben Shelton's dad takes aim at Novak Djokovic for mocking phone call celebration in US Open victory

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The father of American tennis player Ben Shelton was not pleased with 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic after he said the Serbian tennis star mocked his son’s phone call celebration after defeating Shelton in the semifinals of the U.S. Open earlier this month. 

Shelton, 20, had used the celebration in the tournament before, explaining that it was a way of saying "I'm dialed in."

Ben Shelton of the United States celebrates after defeating Frances Tiafoe of the United States during their singles quarterfinal match at the 2023 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Sept. 5, 2023, in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.  (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

But after being defeated by Djokovic in the semis Sept. 8, Shelton was on the receiving end of the gesture. 

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"I just love Ben’s celebration," Djokovic said with a smile after the match. "I thought it was very original, and I copied him. I stole his celebration."

Shelton said he did not see Djokovic's gesture at the time but wouldn’t tell any player how to celebrate. He did say he took it as flattery. 

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates his victory against Ben Shelton of the United States during their semifinal match of the 2023 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center Sept. 8, 2023, in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.  (Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

"I don't like when I'm on social media and I see people telling me how I can celebrate or can't celebrate. You know, I think if you win the