Tennis legends have jumped behind Ben Shelton’s takedown of Channel Nine’s Australian Open coverage after the American star lashed the broadcaster for treating players poorly.
After completing a hard-fought victory over Italian Lorenzo Songeo to qualify for the Australian Open semi-finals the world no.21 launched an unprompted broadside at the host broadcaster in his post-match press conference.
“I’ve been a little bit shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters,” he said.
“I’ve noticed it with different people, not just myself.
“I noticed it with Learner Tien in one of his matches … when he beat (Daniil) Medvedev his post-match interview, I thought it was kind of embarrassing and disrespectful.”
Tien, 19, was interviewed by former Australian doubles champion John Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald started the interview by telling Tien “19-year-olds are not meant to be that good”, to which Tien awkwardly replied, “I mean, I don’t know what to say to that” while he also referenced Tein being a Newport president saying, “I used to live in Newport Beach, so I know where you live, by the way”.
Shelton’s comments come after Tony Jones and Channel Nine were forced to apologise for “disrespectful” comments directed towards Novak Djokovic after Jones called the 24-time Grand Slam champion “has-been” which sparked outrage amongst players, fans and the Serbian community.
Djokovic subsequently boycotted the broadcaster, refusing to do an on-court interview after wins until he received the apology.
However, Shelton has been involved in his own awkward interview gaffes with Roger Reed commenting on how Gael Monfils was old enough to be Shelton’s dad after his victory over the Frenchman with Shelton responding “Was that a black joke?”
Following his victory over Sonego, Shelton was asked by announcer James Sherry how it felt knowing no one would support him in the semi-final when he faced either Jannik Sinner or Alex de Minaur.
Shelton laughed off the question at the time but later admitted to taking offence.
“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’,” Shelton said.
“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.”
His sentiments have been widely supported with German legend Boris Becker agreeing courtside interviews are getting too personal.
“Absolutely agree with Ben! Courtside interviews way too long after matches … and too personal as well!,” he posted.
Czech tennis player Jiri Lehecka, who lost to Novak Djokovic in the fourth round, posted: “Well said @BenShelton.”
18-time Grand Slam winner Chris Evert also agreed though noted legend Jim Courier has been a class above.
“I agree with Ben. Sometimes, on court interviewers try to be funny or make it about themselves…. In saying that, @RealJimCourier is excellent in that role,” she wrote.
Content Source: www.perthnow.com.au