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Shelton calls out ‘disrespectful’ media | 01:16
Australian Open semi-finalist Ben Shelton has criticised tournament broadcasters and interviewers, claiming he has been “shocked” by their “disrespect”.
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Shelton, who will face Jannik Sinner on Friday night for a spot in the final, made the complaint unprompted in his press conference after beating Lorenzo Sonego in their quarter-final.
The American pointed to two of his own post-match interviews that he was not happy with.
“I’ve been a little bit shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters,” Shelton said.
“I don’t think that the guy who mocked Novak (Tony Jones), 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.
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“There are some comments that have been made to me in post-match interviews by a couple of different guys, whether it was, Hey, (Gael) 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.”
The two interviews Shelton was speaking about, after his wins over Monfils and Sonego, were conducted by Australian Open courtside interviewers rather than Nine talent like Jim Courier.
Former player and coach Roger Rasheed, who conducted the interview after the Monfils match, asked in reference to the 16-year age gap: “He’s an entertainer, what does he mean to you? He’s almost your dad.
“Not really, sorry Bryan (Ben’s father and coach Bryan Shelton). You stay there, I’m going to get to you.
“Talk to us a little bit about Gael.”
Shelton responded with a smile: “Was that a black joke?”
Rasheed replied: “I’m not sure, I’m not sure… let’s not go there.”
In his press conference after that match Shelton talked down the moment.
“Probably just a stupid comment that I shouldn’t have said but I thought it was funny in the moment,” he said.
“I don’t think — I hope the guy didn’t take it in any sort of way. I know that my dad thought it was pretty funny. But, yeah, I guess I apologise for that.
“No, I didn’t take it any way. I know he didn’t — he probably didn’t mean it any way to me. I hope he didn’t mean it in any way like that.
“I guess I probably should keep my mouth shut more.”
After the Sonego match, Shelton spoke with TV veteran and stadium announcer James Sherry, who asked the American how he would feel not being cheered whether he faced Jannik Sinner or Alex de Minaur in the semi-finals.
“Well if it’s the home favourite 100% you guys can boo me,” Shelton replied.
“You can throw stuff at my head, I understand. And if it’s the No.1 in the world it’ll probably be the same. I’m looking forward to it.”
