Djokovic was criticized for imitating the victory celebration

"Hang up" has been a familiar victory gesture of Shelton since the beginning of the tournament. Immediately after defeating the home player 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 in the semi-finals, Djokovic celebrated his victory the same way as Shelton, with a serious look on his face. Afterwards, the two players shook hands at the net but did not exchange much.

In previous matches, many American fans thought that Shelton's celebration was somewhat arrogant, especially after the 20-year-old tennis player eliminated compatriots Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round and quarterfinals. The media said that Djokovic wanted to remind his juniors about humility by imitating the "hanging up" celebration. But Djokovic explained that things are not that serious.

"I simply like his way of celebrating," Djokovic said after the semi-finals on September 9. "I thought it was unique and copied it. I took away his celebration."

On social network X, the Serbian tennis player was criticized by many people for this controversial victory celebration. "There is absolutely no need to do that," wrote tennis journalist Gaspar Ribeiro Lanca. "Shelton is only 20 years old, playing the biggest match since the beginning of his career in front of his home crowd. He has never disrespected Nole."

The @Azulon account was surprised with Nole's actions. "Djokovic wants to mock Shelton? After retiring, he will face many problems. That is the result of many actions on and off the field."

"I don't understand why Djokovic always behaves as if the crowd is always against him," account @kap wrote. "Shelton wasn't mocking anyone with that way of celebrating." "Don't ask why people don't love Nole like Roger or Rafa," @AntonioT felt uncomfortable with Djokovic's actions.

Shelton said he did not mind Djokovic's imitation. "After the match I found out he did that," the American tennis player said at the press conference after the semi-finals. "I don't like it when people interfere with my celebration. If you win, you deserve to do things the way you want. I was also always taught that imitation is the sincerest form of 'flattery'." .

Shelton also received some criticism on social networks, for only shaking Nole's hand after the match without congratulating him. "Shelton is not mature enough," account @AnneS wrote. "He should congratulate Djokovic. A child should recognize a great man."

After defeating Shelton, Djokovic had nearly 48 hours of rest before playing the final with Daniil Medvedev. The final match takes place at 3:00 a.m. on September 11, Hanoi time.