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Ben Shelton hits out at broadcasters over ‘negativity’ By Scott Spits First-time major semi-finalist Ben Shelton has taken a swipe at broadcasters at the Australian Open, complaining about the line of questioning of some players in on-court interviews.
American Shelton, 22, ended his media conference after his quarter-final victory over Italian Lorenzo Sonego by saying he was “shocked” by how some players had been treated during interviews.
The world No.20 referenced the controversial incident in which Channel Nine sports presenter Tony Jones was embroiled in a spat with Novak Djokovic after the star player threatened to boycott the network over what he labelled as “insulating and offensive” remarks.
American star Ben Shelton has advanced to the Australian Open semi-finals. Credit: Getty Images
“I don’t think that the guy who mocked Novak – I don’t think that was just a single event,” said Shelton.
“I’ve noticed it with different people, not just myself.
“I feel like broadcasters should be helping us grow our sport and help these athletes who just won matches on the biggest stage enjoy one of their biggest moments.
“I feel like there’s just been a lot of negativity.
“I think that’s something that needs to change.”
Shelton cited two interviews of concern for him – an on-court chat conducted with Learner Tien after the American eliminated Daniil Medvedev in a second-round match which finished at close to 3am, and another interview conducted with Shelton, himself, after advanced past veteran Frenchman Gael Monfils in a fourth-round walkover.
“I noticed it with Learner Tien in one of his matches. I think when he beat Medvedev his post-match interview – I thought it was kind of embarrassing and disrespectful, that interview,” said Shelton.
By winning his quarter-final against Sonego, Shelton set up a semi-final berth – ultimately against world No.1 and defending champion Jannik Sinner, but there was plenty of local optimism that Alex de Minaur may just pull off a shock upset.
“There are some comments that have been made to me in post-match interviews by a couple of different guys, whether it was, ‘Hey, Monfils is old enough to be your dad’ .… or today on the court, ‘Hey, Ben, how does it feel that no matter who you play in your next match, no one is going to be cheering for you?’
“I mean, [that] may be true, but I just don’t
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