Ben Shelton Criticizes Treatment of Players by Australian Open Broadcasters
American tennis player Ben Shelton has spoken out against the way some players have been treated by broadcasters at the Australian Open. After reaching the semifinals of the Grand Slam tournament, Shelton said he was “a little bit shocked” by the questions and comments made by post-match TV interviewers.
Shelton cited several examples, including a television commentator’s on-air insults about Novak Djokovic, which caused the 24-time Grand Slam champion to refuse to speak to the local broadcaster, Channel 9, after one match. He also mentioned an awkward interview with 19-year-old American Learner Tien after his upset win over 2021 U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev, which included a series of statements to Tien, rather than questions, including observations by the interviewer that “19-year-olds are not meant to be that good” and “I know where you live, by the way.”
Shelton also noted two of his own on-court TV interviews. After the 22-year-old’s win against 38-year-old French veteran Gael Monfils in the fourth round, interviewer Roger Rasheed, a former tennis coach, attempted to make a joke by saying, “He’s almost your Dad.” Both Shelton and Monfils are Black. Shelton responded to Rasheed: “Was that a Black joke?” To which Rasheed replied, “I’m not sure.”
Then, after Shelton’s 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (4) victory over Lorenzo Sonego in the quarterfinals Wednesday, he was asked about facing either the defending champion, Jannik Sinner, or an Australian player, Alex de Minaur, next, with the interviewer pointing out that the spectators likely would be cheering against Shelton in the semifinals, either way. Shelton answered: “I know I’ve got a few people out in the crowd who are going to be pulling for me, too.”
At his news conference, Shelton said that what the interviewer said about the fans’ support “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 closed by saying: “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.”
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American tennis player Ben Shelton reached the semifinals at the Australian Open, continuing a successful run in his first Grand Slam tournament. Shelton has been making headlines not only for his performance on the court but also for his comments about the treatment of players by broadcasters at the event.
Shelton says he has been “a little bit shocked” by the way some players have been treated by TV commentators, citing several examples. He hopes that broadcasters will change their approach, as they should be helping to grow the sport and support the players.