American tennis star Ben Shelton slams Australian Open TV interviewers for their treatment of players
American tennis star Ben Shelton called out TV interviewers on Australian Open on Tuesday after his quarterfinal win, saying he believed several postgame interviews during the tournament crossed the line.
Speaking to the media after his hard-fought victory over Lorenzo Sonego, Shelton closed his press conference with an unexpected remark about player interviews, which have come into the spotlight this week after Novak Djokovic refused to give an interview after comments about him and his fan base.
Novak Djokovic reacts after defeating Tomas Machac following their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
“I was kind of shocked this week how the broadcasters treated the players,” the 22-year-old Shelton said. “I don’t think that guy who was mocking Novak – I don’t think it was just one incident. I’ve noticed it in different people, not just myself.”
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Shelton cited a series of incidents, including his on-court interview following his fourth-round victory over the 38-year-old French veteran Gael Monfils. The interviewer, Roger Rasheed, remarked that Monfils was “almost your dad”.
Shelton replied, “Was that a black joke?” Both players are Black.
Rasheed replied, “I’m not sure.”
Ben Shelton, pictured here, serves a backhand to Lorenzo Sonego during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
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Shelton also talked about his interview after the quarter-final match, in which the interviewer commented that he probably won’t have many fans in his semi-final match against reigning champion Jannik Sinner.
“I just don’t mean that comment [is] with respect from a guy I’ve never met before in my life,” Shelton said.
“I feel like the broadcasters should help us grow our sport and help these athletes who just won on the biggest stage enjoy one of their biggest moments. I just feel like there’s been a lot of negativity and I think that’s something that needs to change. ”
Ben Shelton celebrates after defeating Lorenzo Sonega in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
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The media at this year’s Grand Slam came under fire after Australian Channel 9 journalist Tony Jones called Djokovic “overrated” and “inconsistent” while mocking Serbian fans. After the incident, Djokovic refused an interview on the field until he received an apology.
On Monday, the network said in a statement that it apologized “for any offense caused by the comments” made live on air.
“No harm was intended for Novak or his fans,” the statement said. “We look forward to continuing his campaign at the Australian Open at Melbourne Park.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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