Is Ben Shelton a bad sport or just misunderstood?
According to tennis legend Jim Courier, the brash 21-year-old is undeserving of the tag he’s been given in some quarters after getting under the skin of Novak Djokovic at the US Open last year.
Djokovic, who beat Shelton in the semi-final of that tournament, before mocking him by copying his ‘hang up the phone’ post-match celebration, said in a recent interview that he took exception to Shelton for his behaviour before and during that match.
“I am never going to make fun of someone if they don’t do something first. Every time I lose, I always give my opponent a hug, I congratulate him, I respect him and his team. But if someone places themselves in the ‘unsportsmanlike’ zone, I react.”
Shelton was asked about Djokovic’s comments after his first round win at the Australian Open and was dismissive of the topic.
Speaking on Wide World of Sports’ The Morning Serve, Courier backed Shelton to win over the public, even if not everyone in the locker room is a fan.
“I think that Ben is a confident young man and has a lot of swagger on the court,” Courier said.
“Some people might not take to that, but a lot of people do.
“I think if you get to know him personally, I think you’ll fall in love with him.”
Shelton plays Australian Chris O’Connell in the second round on Wednesday afternoon.
He is drawn to meet Djokovic in what would be a mouthwatering fourth round match-up, should both players win their next two matches.