Ben Shelton Slams AO Broadcasters For 'Embarrassing' And 'Disrespectful' Interviews
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Ben Shelton's happiness after reaching a maiden Australian Open semifinal did not stop him from tearing into broadcasters for their conduct to the players throughout the tournament.
Channel 9 generated worldwide headlines when its reporter Tony Jones turned around during a news report to Serbian fans chanting in support of Novak Djokovic and mocked their hero's 2022 deportation from Australia.
Djokovic responded to the incident by refusing to do an on-court interview after the fourth round against Jiri Lehecka. The ten-time Australian Open champion felt Jones had disrespected him and the Serbian fans.
Channel 9 and Jones responded by publicly apologizing for what had happened. Djokovic accepted their apology and gave an on-court interview to Channel 9 after defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinal.
However, Shelton does not think that is the only example of Channel 9 or other broadcasters showing disrespect. Speaking unprompted at the end of his press conference after beating Lorenzo Sonego in the quarterfinal, the American mentioned an interview questions given to his countryman, Learner Tien.
"One thing that I just want to say before we're done. I've been a little bit shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters. I don't think that the guy who mocked Novak, I don't think that was just a single event. I've noticed it with different people, not just myself."
"I noticed it with Learner Tien in one of his matches. I think when he beat Medvedev his post-match interview, I thought it was kind of embarrassing and disrespectful that interview."
Shelton then discussed comments made to him after his last two victories at the Australian Open that he disliked and said broadcasters should do a better job of helping the players grow tennis.
"There are some comments that have been made to me in post-match interviews by a couple of different guys, whether it was, Hey, Monfils is old enough to be your dad. Maybe he is your dad. Or today on the court, Hey, Ben, how does it feel that no matter who you play in your next match, no one is going to be cheering for you?"
"I mean, may be true, but I just don't think the comment is respectful from a guy I've never met before in my life. 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."
Broadcasters wanting to inject humor and entertainment into interviews and not ask the same questions all the time is understandable. However, Channel 9, in the incident with Djokovic, and the interviews after matches have strayed over the line in some moments.
Hopefully, lessons can be learned for future Grand Slams. Players put massive effort into their matches, and showing them the respect they deserve on the court when interviewing them directly afterward is essential.
