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Nick Kyrgios absolutely loved the Novak Djokovic and Ben Shelton celebration drama at the US Open, saying that he is "all in for it" as he believes the game needs more of stuff like that.
Down by two sets and a break in the 2023 US Open semifinal, Shelton pulled off his phone celebration after breaking back Djokovic in the third set. Djokovic didn't forget that moment as he "hung up the phone" on Shelton after sealing a three-set win over the American.
Initially, Djokovic rejected the claims that he was mocking Shelton, instead claiming he did because he thought it was cool. But at the start of the 2024 season, Djokovic confessed to L'Equipe that there was another reason why he imitated Shelton's celebration, saying he felt the 21-year-old "did not behave with respect" and that imitating the American's celebration was "a reaction to a provocation."
When asked to address Djokovic's latest comments, Shelton wasn't interested in sharing any major thoughts on that, instead just insisting that he moved on from the incident.
Kyrgios on the Djokovic-Shelton celebration controversy
“I love it. Ben is one of the more exciting personalities we have in the sport and he can take the game a long way," Kyrgios told Eurosport.
“A big American server with a lot of personality and that celebration against Tiafoe at the US Open was cold and then my boy Djokovic just took it a step further and did it to the guy who did it first.
“I loved it. I’ve honestly watched the video so many times and look, if it gets eyes on the sport and it’s not too crazy, I think I’m all for it. I love it.”
Meanwhile, both Djokovic and Shelton made winning starts at the Australian Open. After Djokovic defeated Dino Prizmic 6-2 6-7 (5) 6-3 6-4 on Sunday, Shelton also made a winning start on Monday, beating Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2 7-6 (2) 7-5.
Djokovic and Shelton could potentially meet in the Australian Open round-of-16.