America’s
Ben Shelton has blasted broadcasters for providing
a lot of ‘negativity’ during the ongoing
Australian Open. The 22-year-old, who is
regarded as one of the most talented players currently playing in men’s tennis
in the singles category, became the first player to book his spot in the
semifinal of the first Grand Slam of the year after beating Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego
in the last-eight with a score of 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6.
Talking after the match, Shelton blasted the broadcasters for
the way they have treated players in the ongoing competition and stated that he
has been ‘shocked’ after seeing broadcasters conduct. The Georgia-born also highlighted the Novak Djokovic incident, which forced the former world number one to snub an on-court interview in protest after Tony Jones’ controversial comments, which he later described as a ‘joke’ and ‘banter’.
"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," he stated. "I don't think that the guy who mocked
Novak [Djokovic], 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 [Daniil] Medvedev his post-match
interview, I thought it was kind of embarrassing and disrespectful that
interview. 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."
Shelton will now face world number one Italy’s Jannik Sinner
in the semifinal, who cemented his spot in the last-four after beating Australia’s
Alex de Minaur in the last-eight clash in straight sets with a score of 6-3,
6-2, 6-1.