American tennis player Ben Shelton expressed his disappointment on Wednesday regarding some of the questions and comments made by post-match interviewers at the Australian Open.
After reaching the semifinals at the tournament, Shelton used the opportunity at his news conference to address his concerns. He said, “Before we’re done, I just want to mention something. I’ve been a little shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters.”
He pointed to a recent controversy involving a television commentator’s derogatory remarks about Novak Djokovic, which led the 24-time Grand Slam champion to refuse to speak to the local broadcaster, Channel 9, after one of his matches. Djokovic eventually agreed to an interview after Channel 9 and its reporter, Tony Jones, issued public apologies.
Shelton remarked, “I don’t think that was just a single event. I’ve noticed this happening with different players, not just myself.”
Shelton also brought up the post-match interview with 19-year-old American Learner Tien, which took place after his surprising victory over 2021 U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev in the second round at Melbourne Park last week. Shelton described the interview as “embarrassing and disrespectful,” particularly given that it occurred around 3 a.m.
Shelton also mentioned two of his own on-court interviews that raised concerns. After his victory over 38-year-old French veteran Gael Monfils in the fourth round, interviewer Roger Rasheed, a former tennis coach, made a remark saying, “He’s almost your Dad.” Both Shelton and Monfils are Black, and Shelton responded by asking, “Was that a Black joke?” Rasheed seemed unsure, replying, “I’m not sure.”
Later, after Shelton’s quarterfinal win over Lorenzo Sonego, he was asked about facing either the defending champion Jannik Sinner or Australian player Alex de Minaur in the semifinals. The interviewer pointed out that the crowd would likely be cheering against Shelton, regardless of his opponent, which Shelton found awkward.
Shelton responded by saying, “I know I’ve got a few people in the crowd who will be supporting me too.”
During his news conference, Shelton addressed the interviewer’s comment about fan support, acknowledging it might be true but expressing that he found the remark disrespectful, especially coming from someone he had never met before.
He concluded by stating, “Broadcasters should be helping us grow the sport and allowing athletes to enjoy their big moments after winning on such a major stage. There’s been a lot of negativity, and I believe that needs to change.”