Novak Djokovic is not the most liked player on the tour. And we know that he doesn’t mind that. At the US Open semifinal, Djokovic looked petty by imitating his opponent Ben Shelton after beating him easily.

Ben Shelton has been doing the “phone celebration” at the US Open after his wins at the US Open. Djokovic copied that celebration and Shelton gave him a cold stare as they shook hands at the net.

Speaking of the celebration at his post-match press conference, Djokovic said:

I just love Ben’s celebration. I thought it was very original. I copied him. I stole his celebration.

Shelton in his presser that he didn’t notice Djokovic’s imitation on the court but was flattered by his actions.

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.

Djokovic perhaps felt that Ben Shelton celebrating his unforced errors was professional. Novak Djokovic looked petty imitating a young up-and-coming player. Shelton comes from playing college tennis where these kinds of celebrations are encouraged.