Qualified for the semi-finals of the Australian Open, after his victory this Wednesday against Lorenzo Sonego, the American Ben Shelton pointed out, like Novak Djokovic before him, the tone of the local broadcaster.
At almost every tournament, a new fight… And at the start of the 2025 season, it is the local broadcaster of the Australian Open that the big names on the circuit have in their sights.
A few days ago, after his victory in the round of 16 against the Czech Jiri Lehecka, Novak Djokovic decided to boycott the traditional post-match interview on Channel 9, which produces and broadcasts the competition in Australia. In question? Offensive comments by a channel journalist against him and Serbian supporters. An act which prompted the journalist in question, Tony Jones, to issue a contrite apology. But that did not put an end to the controversy.
This Wednesday, after his victory against the Italian Lorenzo Sonego in the quarter-final (6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6), it was the American Ben Shelton who stepped up to the plate. The 22-year-old, 20th in the world, took advantage of his press conference to make his dissatisfaction known.
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-“I don’t think this comment is respectful coming from a man I’ve never met in my life”
“There is one thing I would like to say before we finish. I was a little shocked this week by the way the players were treated by the broadcasters,” he lamented. “I don’t think the guy who made fun of Novak was the only one who did it. I noticed it with different people, not just me. I noticed it with Learner Tien at a of his matches. When he beat (Daniil) Medvedev, I found his post-match interview embarrassing and disrespectful.”
And to continue on his own case: “There were comments made to me in post-match interviews by different guys, like ‘Hey, Monfils is old enough to be your father, maybe’ Is he your father?’ Or today on the court: ‘Well, how does it feel to know that no matter who you play in the next match, no one is going to cheer for you?’ I mean, maybe that’s true (smile), but I don’t think that comment is respectful coming from a man I’ve never met in my life…”
Ben Shelton therefore ended his monologue with a request. “I think broadcasters should help us develop our sport and help these athletes who have just won matches on the biggest stage to enjoy one of their greatest moments,” he believes. “I feel like there’s been a lot of negativity. I think that’s something that needs to change.”
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