NEW YORK — Novak Djokovic has once again demonstrated the complex duality of his character, showing immense sportsmanship and compassion towards American Ben Shelton after the 21-year-old was forced to retire from their US Open fourth-round match. The gesture stands in stark contrast to the now-infamous mocking celebration Djokovic directed at Shelton during their semifinal clash at the same tournament just a year prior.
On a humid Monday evening inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, the highly anticipated rematch between the 24-time Grand Slam champion and the rising American star ended abruptly. After just two games in the third set, with Djokovic leading 6-4, 6-1, Shelton, visibly hampered and struggling with his movement, approached the net to shake his opponent's hand, retiring due to a left leg injury.
It was a disappointing conclusion for fans and for Shelton himself, who had battled through a five-set thriller against Aslan Karatsev in the previous round. The injury, later confirmed as a stress fracture in his left foot, had been nagging him throughout the tournament, but it reached a breaking point against the relentless pressure applied by the Serbian maestro.
A Champion's Immediate Response
In that moment, the narrative shifted from a competitive battle to one of empathy. Instead of a simple handshake and a swift exit, Djokovic immediately embraced Shelton, offering words of consolation. Cameras captured the 37-year-old speaking intently to the dejected American, a moment of genuine connection that transcended the sport. He later revealed the essence of his message:
"I just told him that he knows better than anybody else that injuries are part of our sport, an athlete's life. It's horrible. It's horrible to see. I feel for him. I really feel for him. I told him to take care, to heal well, and that he's got plenty of time ahead of him. He's a great player and a great guy."
This act of kindness did not go unnoticed. Tennis pundits and fans on social media were quick to praise Djokovic's classy response, highlighting his ability to show deep compassion for a fellow competitor in a moment of profound disappointment. It was a side of Djokovic that often gets overshadowed by his intense on-court demeanor and his unwavering will to win.
The Ghost of a Past Celebration
The context of this interaction is what makes it particularly poignant. Their previous meeting at the 2023 US Open semifinal was not just a match but a cultural moment. After defeating Shelton in straight sets, Djokovic famously mimicked the young American's "dialed-in" phone celebration, holding an imaginary receiver to his ear before hanging it up emphatically. The gesture was interpreted by many as a mocking dismissal, a moment of gamesmanship that became an instant viral highlight.
Shelton, at the time, had a muted response, simply stating, "I feel like if you win the match, you deserve to do whatever you want. As a kid, I learned that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. So that's all I have to say about that." The incident, however, created a compelling rivalry narrative and a talking point that persisted for a full year, building immense anticipation for their next encounter.
Beyond the Rivalry: Respect and Recognition
Djokovic's post-match press conference further illuminated his respect for Shelton. He went beyond the usual platitudes, offering a detailed and thoughtful analysis of the American's game and potential. He acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, not just physically but mentally, for a young player forced to retire on one of the sport's biggest stages.
"It's never the way you want to win, especially not in the later stages of a Grand Slam where you expect a big battle," Djokovic stated. "I saw that he was struggling. I heard that he had some issues already before the match. I just told him that he's young, he's got a great team, and he's going to come back strong. There's no doubt about it."
This public endorsement carries significant weight. Djokovic, a student of the game who has faced and overcome his own serious injury setbacks, recognizes the raw ingredients that make Shelton a future threat. He specifically pointed to Shelton's powerful serve, explosive athleticism, and improving all-court game as assets that will see him compete for the biggest titles in the future.
A Pattern of Sportsmanship
While the "phone" celebration captured headlines, Djokovic's actions toward Shelton are more consistent with a long pattern of generosity toward injured opponents. Throughout his career, he has frequently:
- Checked on fallen rivals during matches.
- Publicly praised younger players and offered advice.
- Advocated for better compensation and support for lower-ranked players on tour.
- Shown clear empathy for those forced to retire against him.
This incident serves as a reminder that Djokovic's persona cannot be easily defined by a single moment of on-court theatrics. He possesses a fierce, almost ruthless competitive instinct, but it is paired with a deep understanding of the sport's physical and mental toll and a genuine respect for those who share the court with him.
Shelton's Road to Recovery
For Ben Shelton, the focus now shifts entirely to recovery. A stress fracture is a significant setback, likely requiring a period of rest and rehabilitation. The timing is unfortunate, cutting short a US Open where he had begun to recapture the scintillating form that propelled him to the semifinals a year ago. However, the public support from a legend like Djokovic undoubtedly provides a mental boost during a frustrating time.
In a short statement released by his team, Shelton said, "I'm obviously devastated it ended this way. I was looking forward to the challenge and testing myself against Novak. I want to thank the fans for their incredible support. I'll be doing everything I can with my team to get healthy and come back stronger."
The tennis world will be eagerly awaiting his return. The budding rivalry with Djokovic, now layered with this new chapter of respect and compassion, has only become more intriguing. Their next meeting, hopefully with both players at full health, promises to be an electrifying contest, free from the shadow of injury and filled with the high-level tennis that was cut short in New York.
Ultimately, Djokovic's message to Shelton was more than just a kind gesture; it was a passing of the torch in microcosm—a recognition from the game's reigning king that the future of the sport is in capable and exciting hands, once those hands have had time to heal.