American tennis star Ben Shelton known as out the TV interviewers on the Australian Open on Tuesday following his quarterfinal victory, saying that he believes a number of of the post-match interviews all through the event have crossed a line.
Talking to the media following his hard-fought victory over Lorenzo Sonego, Shelton closed his press convention with an unprompted comment about participant interviews, which have come beneath the highlight this week after Novak Djokovic refused to do an interview following feedback made about him and his fan base.
Novak Djokovic reacts after defeating Tomas Machac following their third spherical match on the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photograph/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
“I’ve been a bit of shocked this week with how gamers have been handled by the broadcasters,” Shelton, 22, stated. “I don’t suppose that man who mocked Novak – I don’t suppose that was only a single occasion. I’ve seen it with totally different folks, not simply myself.”
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Shelton named quite a lot of incidents, together with his on-court interview following his fourth spherical victory over 38-year-old French veteran Gael Monfils. The interviewer, Roger Rasheed, famous that Monfils is “nearly your dad.”
Shelton responded, “Was {that a} Black joke?” Each gamers are Black.
Rasheed replied, “I am unsure.”
Ben Shelton, pictured right here, performs a backhand to Lorenzo Sonego throughout their quarterfinal match on the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photograph/Manish Swarup)
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Shelton additionally spoke about his interview after the quarterfinal match, during which the interviewer commented that he possible wouldn’t have many followers in his semifinal match in opposition to reigning champ Jannik Sinner.
“I simply don’t suppose that remark [is] respectful from a man I’ve by no means met earlier than in my life,” Shelton stated.
“I really feel like broadcasters needs to be serving to us develop our sport and assist these athletes who simply received matches on the most important stage take pleasure in one in every of their greatest moments. I simply really feel like there’s been numerous negativity and I feel that’s one thing that should change.”
Ben Shelton celebrates after defeating Lorenzo Sonego of their quarterfinal match on the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photograph/Manish Swarup)
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Broadcasters at this yr’s Grand Slam got here beneath hearth after Australian Channel 9 journalist Tony Jones known as Djokovic “overrated” and “a has-been” whereas mocking Serbian followers. Djokvic refused an on-court interview after the incident till he acquired an apology.
On Monday, the community stated in an announcement it apologized “for any offense brought on from feedback made” whereas dwell on air.
“No hurt was meant in the direction of Novak or his followers,” the assertion continued. “We sit up for additional showcasing his Australian Open marketing campaign at Melbourne Park.”
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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