American tennis star inspired by Grant Holloway in historic U.S. Open win
Ben Shelton credits world champion hurdler for his viral 'answering-the-phone' moment at the 2023 U.S. Open
Photo by:
Kevin Morris/WC
On Tuesday night in New York City, 20-year-old tennis star Ben Shelton became the youngest American male tennis player to reach the semi-finals at the U.S. Open. He celebrated his win with a unique “answering-the-phone” celebration that has gone viral. Post-match, he revealed that his celebration was inspired by none other than three-time world 110m hurdles champion Grant Holloway.
Ben Shelton’s reaction after beating Frances Tiafoe to reach his first Grand Slam semifinal at the US Open.
He picks up the phone & hangs it up. 📞
Coldblooded. 🇺🇸 🥶 pic.twitter.com/XGf59Lne2k
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 6, 2023
In a thrilling and fiercely contested match against fellow American player Frances Tiafoe, rising star Shelton showcased his prowess, winning with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 7-6(7), 6-2. However, it was his post-match celebration that made all the headlines.
In his post-match remarks, Shelton explained the phone celebration. “For me, the celebration is kind of like I’m saying I’m ‘dialled in,'” said Shelton to the media. “I am close friends with a lot of track & field athletes who train at the University of Florida, in particular, Grant Holloway.”
Holloway is an accomplished U.S. 110m hurdler who hasn’t lost a race since the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. His electric racing style and dominance have earned high praise from Shelton. “(His celebration) is kind of his signature thing,” says Shelton. “He just won the world championships, so congrats to him.”
Ben Shelton on his post-match phone celebration:
"For me, it's kind of like I'm saying I'm dialed in. That's what it is for me. I'm really close friends with a lot track & field athletes who train at the University of Florida. One in particular, Grant Holloway, who's won the… pic.twitter.com/xWnBO8jRvD
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 6, 2023
Shelton’s nod to Holloway’s signature celebration is not just a gesture of admiration but also a testament to the mutual respect that world-class athletes have for one another. The young star will face one of the all-time greats in Thursday’s semifinal, Novak Djokovic.
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