EXCLUSIVE: American great Jim Courier says 'misunderstood' Ben Shelton isn't tennis' new villain

American tennis great Jim Courier believes young star Ben Shelton is "misunderstood" and says critics will learn to love him eventually.

Shelton was given a clip by 24-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic over the weekend as the pair are poised to potentially collide at the Australian Open.

They met on-court at last year's US Open, where Djokovic won in straight sets and then mocked his young rival by copying his trademark celebration, where Shelton answers an imaginary phone and then slams it down.

LIVE UPDATES: Australian Open 2024 LIVE Results Day 4

READ MORE: Alexander Zverev clashes with journos

READ MORE: Dramatic twist in sad Ronald Volkman saga

While it was initially brushed off as being light-hearted, Djokovic reignited the simmering feud last week by revealing his actual thoughts.

"This is my reaction to a provocation that came from the other side, it was a reaction against him," Djokovic told L'Equipe.

"He did not behave properly, with respect, on court, and before the match.

"I'm never going to make fun of someone if they don't do something first. Every time I lose I always give my opponent a hug, I congratulate him, I respect him and his team.

"If anyone places himself in the unsportsmanlike zone, I react."

Watch the 2024 Australian Open live and exclusive on Nine, 9Now and ad-free on Stan Sport.

Shelton was quizzed about Djokovic's comments earlier this week in Melbourne, but chose not to return fire.

While many American athletes portray a typical confidence - or arrogance - associated with the nation, Shelton does seem to take it to a new level.

Australian Open 2024 in pictures: How Italy celebrated Jannik Sinner's 47-year drought-breaking win

Australian Open 2024 in pictures: How Italy celebrated Jannik Sinner's 47-year drought-breaking win

Courier, though, says the 21-year-old is simply happy-go-lucky.

"I would go with misunderstood," Courier told Wide World of Sports' The Morning Serve.

"I think that Ben is a confident young man and has a lot of swagger on the court. Some people might not take to that, but a lot of people do.

"I think if you get to know him personally, I think you'll fall in love with him."

Shelton and Djokovic both play Aussies - Chris O'Connell and Alexei Popyrin respectively - in round two, but if they keep winning will run into one another in round four at Melbourne Park.

Courier thinks Shelton will be buzzing for a rematch against the world No.1.

"I think he'd relish the opportunity to play Novak - these young guys want to test themselves against the best," he said.

"Shelton obviously took on Novak at the US Open and it obviously went Novak's way pretty conclusively.

"That would be a good test for him to get back out there and see if his game has improved since then.

"It would obviously be a big hype-fest too ... if we're talking about it, it's probably a good thing."