American tennis star Ben Shelton on Wednesday lashed out at “disrespectful” comments made by broadcasters and interviewers working at the Australian Open in an unsolicited tirade.
While Tony Jones’ controversial comments about Novak Djokovic have dominated headlines around the world in recent days, Shelton stated that he was ‘shocked’ by the tone of some of the questions asked of players during on-court interviews.
The 22-year-old even criticized a broadcaster for a question asked to him after his quarter-final victory against Lorenzo Sonego on Wednesday afternoon. He will now face Jannik Sinner in what will be his second Grand Slam semi-final appearance after 7-5 6-4 7-6 (7-4) win against Sonego.
Although delighted with the victory, the Atalanta-born tennis star took a moment at the end of the press conference to urge the broadcasters to change their questioning.
“One thing I want to say before we’re done,” Shelton began. ‘I’ve been a bit shocked this week by the way players have been treated by the broadcasters.
He added: “I feel like broadcasters need to help us grow our sport and help these athletes who have just won competitions on the biggest stage enjoy one of their biggest moments.
Ben Shelton has criticized broadcasters and interviewers at the Australian Open for showing a lack of respect to players during on-court interviews

Shelton referenced several incidents that occurred during the tournament, including Tony Jones’ controversial comments about Novak Djokovic

Shelton even criticized a question he was asked after his 3-1 win against Lorenzo Sonego earlier in the day
“I feel like there’s just been a lot of negativity. I think that’s something that needs to change.”
Jones was heavily criticized after his comments claiming Djokovic was a ‘has-been’ during a television segment for Channel 9.
As a group of Serbian fans came up behind him during the segment, Jones began chanting, “Novak, he’s overrated…Novak has been one.” Novak, kick him out.”
Djokovic said the comments were ‘offensive and insulting’ and demanded a public apology from the 63-year-old, with the broadcaster issuing an apology to Nine’s Today Show earlier this week.
“I don’t think the guy who mocked Novak, I don’t think this was just a single event,” Shelton said, before listing a number of other instances where he thought interviewers crossed the line.
He first referred to a question asked by fellow countryman Learner Tien after his huge win against Daniil Medvedev earlier this week.
“I’ve noticed it in several people, not just myself,” the 22-year-old said.

Shelton (right) criticized a broadcaster’s comments about his fourth-round opponent Gael Monfils (left)

Shelton also claimed that the questions asked of student Ten after his second-round win against Daniil Medvedev were “embarrassing.”
‘I noticed it with student Ten in one of his competitions. I think when he beat Medvedev in his post-match interview, I thought it was a bit embarrassing and disrespectful.
“There were a number of comments made to me in post-game interviews by a number of different guys, whether it was, ‘Hey, Monfils is old enough to be your dad. Maybe he’s your dad.’
“Or today on the field, ‘Hey, Ben, how does it feel that no matter who you play in your next game, no one’s going to cheer for you?’
“I mean, it may be true, but I just don’t think the comment is respectful to a man I’ve never met before in my life,” he added.
Shelton had laughed off the question, but added, “I know there are a few people in the crowd who will advocate for me as well.”
Despite this, the American spoke of his joy at reaching his second ever Grand Slam semi-final.
He has also had a long and grueling road to the last four of the Australian Open, with Shelton being taken to the fourth set in four of the five matches he played.

However, Shelton said he was thrilled to be in the semi-finals of the Australian Open and would face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner for a place in the final.
The world number 20 added that he felt “tested” after an epic week.
“I was just grinding there, trying to fight through it,” he said.
“Yeah, I’m just proud of myself for getting through it.
“I definitely feel tested and am able to finish in four hours.”
He added: ‘For me it is very special to play in these big tournaments and play my best tennis in the big tournaments.’