 "Ben Shelton hit out at Aus Open broadcasters after an awkward on-court interview on Wednesday. Image: Reuters")
After Novak Djokovic was involved in a spat with a local journalist, semi-finalist Ben Shelton has accused on-court interviewers of being “disrespectful” to players during the ongoing Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne. Shelton reached his first semi-final at Aus Open by beating Italian Lorenzo Sonego at Rod Laver Arena in four sets.
His on-court interview, however, got a bit awkward as former Australian Davis Cup player John Fitzgerald suggested that no one would be cheering for Shelton in the semi-final as he would be facing either defending champion Jannik Sinner or local lad Alex De Minaur.
Sinner was later confirmed as 22-year-old Shelton’s opponent as De Minaur lost in straight sets.
Shelton says some comments from interviewers are disrespectful
After laughing off the on-court suggestion, Shelton hit out at the broadcasters in his press conference. “I’ve been a little bit shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters,” Shelton told reporters. “I don’t think that the guy who mocked Novak (Djokovic), I don’t think that was just a single event.
“I’ve noticed it with different people, not just myself.”
Shelton added that the post-match interview after beating 38-year-old Frenchman Gael Monfils in the fourth round was also something that he didn’t enjoy.
“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,’” Shelton added.
“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 concluded his press conference by making a passionate plea to the broadcasters, to help tennis players enjoy their special moments.
“I feel like there’s just been a lot of negativity. I think that’s something that needs to change,” he said.
Earlier, Djokovic boycotted his on-court interview after fourth-round victory over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday as the 24-time Grand Slam champion was called “over-rated” and a “has-been” on TV by Channel9 broadcaster Tony Jones.
The veteran Australian broadcaster was later forced to apologise to Djokovic.