Channel 9’s horror Aus Open gets worse as American crucifies ‘embarrassing and disrespectful’ acts

Tony Jones and a host of other Nine presenters have attempted to bring humour to the Aus Open but the tennis world clearly isn’t laughing.

American tennis star Ben Shelton has slammed the standard of on-court post-match interviews at the Australian Open.

Shelton booked his place in the semi-final with a 6-4 7-5 4-6 7-6 win over Italy’s Lorezno Sonego. He’ll take on Jannik Sinner on Friday after the World No. 1 dispatched Australia’s Alex de Minaur in straight sets.

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It’s the second appearance in a grand slam semi-final for Shelton, who burst onto the scene at the 2023 US Open when he made it to the final four.

The rising tennis star piqued the ears of journalists when he launched into an unprompted take-down of the Australian Open TV broadcast, just as he was about to wrap up his post-match press conference.

“One thing I just want to say, I’ve been a little bit shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters,” Shelton said.

“I don’t think that the guy who mocked Novak (Tony Jones), I don’t think that was just a single event. I’ve noticed it with different people, not just myself.

“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.”

Watch Ben Shelton’s comments in the video above

Ben Shelton criticised the style of post-match interviews. Photo. X.

Former Australian tennis player John Fitzgerald’s interview with Tien following the American teenager’s win over Daniil Medvedev was fairly cringe-worthy to watch as the Davis Cup winner struggled to ask a question in awkward scenes at 3am.

Shelton continued: “There are some comments that have been made to me in post-match interviews by a couple of different guys, whether it was, ‘Hey, (Gael) Monfils is old enough to be your dad. Maybe he is 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, may be true, but I just don’t think the comment is respectful from a guy I’ve never met before in my life.

“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.”

Ben Shelton is the new star of American men’s tennis. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP)

Shelton’s post-match interviews after his matches against Monfils and Sonego were conducted by Australian Open courtside interviews, not Channel 9 commentators like Jim Courier.

Following his win over Sonego, veteran stadium announcer James Sherry asked Shelton: “You’ve made it through to the semi, you’re going to play either Jannik Sinner or Alex de Minaur. The crowd are going to be on the other guy’s side for that, aren’t they?”

Shelton chuckled and replied: “If it’s the home favourite Alex de Minaur, 100 per cent. You guys can boo me, you can throw stuff at my head, I understand. If it’s the No. 1 in the world, it’ll probably be the same.

“I’m looking forward to it. I know I’ve got a few people out in the crowd who are going to be pulling for me too.”

Ben Shelton being interviewed after his quarterfinal win.

After Shelton’s win over Monfils, ex-player and coach Roger Rasheed referenced the 16-year age gap between the opponents.

“He’s an entertainer, what does he mean to you? He’s almost your dad,” Rasheed said.

“Not really, sorry Bryan (Ben’s father and coach Bryan Shelton). You stay there, I’m going to get to you. Talk to us a little bit about Gael.”

Shelton responded: “Was that a black joke?”

Rasheed replied: “I’m not sure, I’m not sure … let’s not go there.”

In his press conference after that match Shelton talked down the moment.

“Probably just a stupid comment that I shouldn’t have said but I thought it was funny in the moment,” he said.

“I don’t think — I hope the guy didn’t take it in any sort of way. I know that my dad thought it was pretty funny. But, yeah, I guess I apologise for that.

“No, I didn’t take it any way. I know he didn’t — he probably didn’t mean it any way to me. I hope he didn’t mean it in any way like that.

“I guess I probably should keep my mouth shut more.”

Channel 9's post-match interviews are under the microscope.

Shelton’s comments on Wednesday night clearly struck a nerve. Six-time grand slam champion Boris Becker wrote on X: “Absolutely agree with Ben! Courtside interviews way too long after matches … and too personal as well!”

Czech tennis player Jiri Lehecka, who lost to Novak Djokovic in the fourth round, posted: “Well said @BenShelton.”

Tennis reporter Ben Rothenberg wrote on X: “Interesting end to Ben Shelton’s press conference. Unprompted, he took a moment to tear into the quality of local broadcasting and specifically on-court interviewing at #AO2025.”

On-court interviews are always a balancing act, but this year in particular tennis fans have felt somewhat underwhelmed by the questions being asked.

A trend of asking players what they thought of Melbourne coffee elicited some eye rolls, while Jelena Dokic has previously explained why she prefers not to ask any harsh tennis related questions in her post-match interviews.

Aryna Sabalenka celebrates victory with on-court presenter Jelena Dokic following her first round match. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Dokic didn’t ask Madison Keys about her own performance following her win over polarising American Danielle Collins in the third round.

Dokic started out by asking the 29-year-old what it was like playing her friend.

“It’s always difficult. We’ve been playing each other since we were 12 years’ old,” Keys said.

“We’ve had some battles and she’s such a fighter and always leaves everything out there. So it’s always difficult playing her.”

After asking about Keys’ impressive recent form, Dokic asked the two-time Aussie Open semi-finalists about her “married life” after she married her husband and coach Bjorn Fratangelo in November.

Courier missed the start of the Australian Open as he was at home dealing with the Los Angeles fires, but the popular broadcaster has returned to fulfil his commentary duties with Channel 9.

Former US tennis player Mardy Fish has liked what he saw on court from Shelton, who has made the semis despite being seeded 21st after a down year in 2024.

“Ben Shelton is an absolute dawg,” Fish said. “Monster game. Shows up on the biggest stages. I think he wins multiple slams.”

Asked who is favourite young player was back in September 2023, Rod Laver said: “Shelton is the new player on the tour.

“We’re going to see him winning a slam, he’s one of the biggest serves, a big left-hander, he doesn’t make many mistakes. He sees an opening and goes for it.”

With Foxsports.com.au

Originally published as Channel 9’s horror Aus Open gets worse as American crucifies ‘embarrassing and disrespectful’ acts