Ben Shelton teased his famous phone celebration after winning in Indian Wells (Image: Tennis TV)
considered bringing back one of his famous post-match celebrations after beating Brandon Nakashima. During the 2023 US Open, the American went viral when he imitated hanging up a phone every time he won a match. But things turned sour when copied the celebration following their semi-final clash.
The 24-time Major winner said it was a “reaction” to his opponent’s behaviour, and Shelton’s father and coach Bryan later hit back at Djokovic. It’s been a while since the world No. 12 pulled out the phone celebration, but he started to recreate the gesture following his victory over Nakashima on Wednesday, though commentators claimed Shelton wasn’t taking things too far “out of respect” for his fellow American.
Shelton reached his first quarter-final in Indian Wells with a 7-5 6-1 victory over 32nd seed Nakashima. The 22-year-old has an incredible record against Nakashima – he now leads their head-to-head 4-0 and has never even lost a set.
There was plenty of respect between the two Americans when they shook hands at the net. Afterwards, Shelton stepped into the court to soak up the victory and celebrate with the fans. He touched his finger to his ear before making a phone with his hand.
But the world No. 12 didn’t go as far as he did at the US Open a couple of years ago, when he would put the phone to his ear before handing it up. Instead, he shook his head and appeared to say something towards his box.
“Well, he wanted to throw the phone down,” commentator Kevin Skinner said.
Ben Shelton’s phone celebration went viral during the 2023 US Open (Image: Getty)
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“He says it’s still alive, his post-match celebration, and out of respect to Brandon Nakashima he won’t slam the phone down. But he sure put down the hammer in the end.”
Shelton is now through to the last eight where he will face either or . “For me, second set was outstanding,” he said.
“Whenever you can get a two-break win in a set against a server like that, it’s really encouraging for where my level is at, where my serving is at, where my returning is at, how I’m moving on the court. So I’m pleased with my performance today.”
The 22-year-old has yet to address his semi-attempt at the phone celebration. During his 2023 US Open semi-final run, Shelton explained that the gesture was inspired by fellow Florida Gator Grant Holloway, and he said it meant he was “dialled in”.
But things took a turn when Djokovic copied the celebration after beating Shelton in straight sets. The current world No. 7 then said: “I just loved Ben’s celebration. I thought it was very original, and I copied him.”
However, a few months later, Djokovic changed his tune. He told L’Equipe: “This is my reaction to a provocation that came from the other side, it was a reaction against him. He did not behave properly, with respect, on court, and before the match.”
Bryan Shelton – a former tennis pro who now coaches his son – stepped in and accused Djokovic of “mocking” the American.
“He wanted to mock Ben at the end. It wasn’t something he was doing just to copy Ben. It was to mock him,” he suggested.