Novak Djokovic isn’t the only Australian Open competitor dismayed by the commentary from broadcasters at this year’s tournament.
American Ben Shelton expressed disgust “with how players have been treated by the broadcasters this week,” citing the remarks lobbied at Djokovic, 37, by a TV presenter, who has since been scrutinized over his apology.
“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,” Shelton concluded his press conference Wednesday following his quarterfinals win over Lorenzo Sonego.
“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 [Daniil] Medvedev, [in the second round], his post-match interview, I thought it was kind of embarrassing and disrespectful that interview.”
One day before Channel 9’s Tony Jones called Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, “overrated” while singing in front of Serbian fans, Tien fielded statements last Thursday such as, “19-year-olds are not meant to be that good,” and “I know where you live, by the way,” according to Tennis.com.
Djokovic, chasing his 11th Australian Open title, bowed out of post-match interviews following Jones’ statements last Friday, calling them “insulting” and “offensive.”
Shelton, 22, added Tuesday about the matter, “There’s some comments that have been made to me in post-match interviews by a couple different guys, whether it’s, ‘Hey, [Gaël] 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’s going to be cheering for you.’ I mean maybe true, but I just don’t think a comment that’s 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’ve just won matches on the biggest stage enjoy one of their biggest moments, and I feel like there’s been a lot of negativity and I think that’s something that needs to change.”
Shelton defeated 38-year-old Monfils en route to the semifinals. He faces reigning Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner on Friday.
As for Djokovic, Nine Network apologized “for any offense caused from comments made,” according to the Associated Press, with the statement adding: “No harm was intended towards Novak or his fans.”
Djokovic squares off against Alexander Zverev in the semifinals later this week.
