Boris Becker makes his feelings known after Ben Shelton's bold criticism of 'disrespectful' Australian Open interviewers

Novak Djokovic's former coach Boris Becker recently endorsed Ben Shelton's opposition to on-court interviews. The former World No. 1 criticized the length of these post-match conversations along with opposing the personal turns the questions tend to take on players.

After his quarterfinal victory over Italy's Lorenzo Sonego, Ben Shelton criticized the nature of on-court interviews. Besides giving Novak Djokovic's example which later turned into a fuming controversy, he highlighted that several other moments are irrelevant but fail to gain enough spotlight.

Boris Becker agreed with Ben Shelton's criticism of the on-court interviews and took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to support the young champ's statement.

"Absolutely agree with Ben ! Courtside interviews way to long after matches …and to personal as well," he wrote, resharing a clip from the 22-year-old's press conference.

Ben Shelton's idea of opposing broadcasters emerged following Novak Djokovic's widely publicized feud with journalist Tony Jones. The dispute began when Jones made a comment that didn’t sit well with the Serbian tennis star.

This ultimately led to an apology that the Serb accepted to diffuse tensions. However, Shelton's stance appears to have reignited the controversy, putting reporters at Melbourne Park under scrutiny once again.

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Commentator jokingly labels Ben Shelton's lighthearted interaction with the chair umpire as "personal"

2025 Australian Open - Source: Getty

Ben Shelton was seen engaging in hilarious banter with the chair umpire at the Australian Open. During his quarterfinal showdown against Lorenzo Sonego on Wednesday, January 22, the 22-year-old accidentally hit one of his shots on the umpire's chair.

Shelton quickly stepped forward to extend an apology for his unintentional act. The official found the incident funny as it happened for the second time during the Italian's next service game. He gestured by raising two of his fingers up, treating the young American with a wide smile.

The American also took the situation lightheartedly and therefore reacted back with a giggle. The match continued at the same pace and the 22-year-old kept raining strong forehands against the Italian.

Amid this, the commentator applauded Shelton's form with a bold remark.

"This is getting personal now," he said.

Having successfully secured a spot in the final 4, Shelton is now matched against the defending champion Jannik Sinner for a place in the Australian Open final. Although the American trails the World No. 1 in their head-to-head (1-4), his current form has raised expectations of his fans across the globe.