Djokovic And Shelton On Course Collision In Paris After Heated US Open Clash

Saturday, 28 October 2023 at 04:17

bySebastian Dahlman

Novak Djokovic and Ben Shelton played a very heated US Open clash not long ago, and they might play again at the 2023 Paris Masters.

Everybody was very excited about the US Open semi-final clash between Djokovic and Shelton. The match was great even though Djokovic technically cruised; we saw a lot of great moments from both players.

What happened after the match became the story, though. Djokovic used Shelton's celebration after the match, which created some controversy as he generally doesn't do that.

Some argued it was to send a message, that plenty of fans disliked, while Nick Kyrgios defended it. Shelton himself played it down after the match, admitting that he deemed it complimentary, but his father disagreed.

The father said in an interview after the match that it was to mock his son, which further fueled the fire. Eventually, things died down, but we might see a new clash between them in Paris.

Read also

Players At WTA Finals Using Hotel Courts, Can't Train On Main Facility Until Saturday

The draw was held recently, and they're in the same part of the draw. Djokovic has a first-round BYE, meaning he will start in the second round, but if he makes his way to the third round, he might face Shelton there.

The American will have to win two matches to get there, but with the way he's playing tennis right now, that's certainly plausible. The competition for a spot in the third round is great, though.

He is facing Alejandro Davidovich Fokina which is a tough out as the Spaniard can be incredibly tricky. Round two might see him face either Tallon Griekspoor or good friend Christopher Eubanks and neither player is an easy opponent.

If he beats both then he'll likely face Djokovic in the 3rd round and we'll see the rematch. It would be great to see because Shelton would be hugely motivated, especially with the way the last match between them went. We'll find out soon enough.