"I just don't think the comment is respectful": Ben Shelton lambasts broadcasters for lack of respect towards players after cementing Australian Open semifinal berth

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.