'I Enjoy Myself': Shelton On His Behaviour Splitting Fan Opinion
ATP
Ben Shelton's on-court antics since his rise have often divided fans, and the young star was asked about it at the 2024 Australian Open.
Shelton's development in the last 12 months has been incredible. A lot of that started at the Australian Open 12 months ago, when he unexpectedly had a run all the way to the quarterfinal.
The 21-year-old has now begun his 2024 Australian Open campaign. Shelton managed a very solid victory against Roberto Bautista Agut in straight sets. The Spaniard can be a tricky opponent, making it a great win for the American.
That victory takes him one step closer to a rematch against Novak Djokovic, who he played in the US Open semifinal last season. That contest is famous for the Serbian imitating Shelton's celebration after his victory.
Djokovic has said that Shelton lacked respect before and during the match, and that is why he elected to imitate the American star. Some fans lauded the 24-time Grand Slam champion for doing this, while others said he was the one being disrespectful.
That incident demonstrates how divisive Shelton can be. This split among fans was put to him at his press conference, after the American explained what he thinks about what Djokovic recently said, and Shelton gave a short response.
"I don't know. I feel like I enjoy myself out on the tennis court. Everyone can have their opinion on who I am or how I act. But yeah, I don't know. I don't have an answer for your question."- Shelton on different opinions about him
Shelton enjoying himself out on the court is a great thing, and he certainly brings a lot of joy to the fans with his brand of tennis. The question is whether some of that behavior becomes too much and distracting to his opponent at times.
That debate will continue among tennis fans. For now, Shelton marches onto the next round of the Australian Open.
