Ben Shelton hits out at Australian Open broadcasters and on-court interviewers

The broadcasters of the Australian Open are again under fire, and this time it’s an American star taking aim, declaring the players have been disrespected by both the broadcast and on-court interviewers.

American Ben Shelton has hit out at broadcasters and on-court interviewers for showing players a lack of respect at this year’s Australian Open.

The 22-year-old won through to the semi-final for the first time at Melbourne Park after a seesawing four-set triumph over Italian Lorenzo Sonego on Wednesday.

Shelton described the 6-4 7-5 4-6 7-6 (7-4) triumph as one of the “favourite matches of my career” but said he had been “shocked” by the “treatment” players had received at the Australian Open including champion Novak Djokovic.

But after the match, Shelton said without being prompted, that some interviews had been “embarrassing” and conceded he was unhappy with the post-match question he received on court after his win about being on the outer with local fans for his next match.

Ben Shelton (R) defeated Lorenzo Sonego on Wednesday. Picture: DAVID GRAY / AFP

Shelton will face defending champion Jannik Sinner on Friday.

While Shelton answered the question politely, the 21st seed said in his post-match press conference players weren’t being shown enough respect at this year’s Australian Open.

He said Djokovic and Learner Tien had also been subject to unfair “negativity”.

“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 (Channel 9’s Tony Jones) who mocked Novak, 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 (Daniil) Medvedev in his post-match interview, I thought it was kind of embarrassing and disrespectful that interview.

“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, it may be true, but I just don’t think the comment is respectful from a guy I’ve never met before in my life.”

Shelton had an awkward interview with Roger Rasheed. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Shelton, who fought back from losing the third set to Sonego, said he was proud to turn the momentum his way in the fourth set despite some serving woes.

He said the tennis media should celebrate players’ achievements more.

“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,” he said.

“There’s just been a lot of negativity. I think that’s something that needs to change.”

Originally published as Ben Shelton hits out at Australian Open broadcasters and on-court interviewers