Chris Evert reacts to Ben Shelton boldly calling out Australian Open interviewers for 'disrespectful' behaviour

Chris Evert made her feelings known about Ben Shelton's slamming of Australian Open interviewers and broadcasters during his press conference. The American had called them out over their poor treatment of players during the highly prestigious Grand Slam event.

Shelton has been playing some scintillating tennis at the 2025 Australian Open and reached his second Grand Slam semifinal after defeating Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4). However, during his post-match press conference, he decided to address the broadcasters and interviewers' alleged poor treatment of players at the tournament.

"One thing that I just want to say before we're done. I've been a little shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters."

He also mentioned some examples, including Channel 9 broadcaster Tony Jones' comments on Novak Djokovic and a not-so-well-received interview with Learner Tien.

"I don't think that the guy who mocked Novak, I don't think that was a single event. I noticed it with different people. Not just myself. Learner Tien in one of his matches. When he beat Medvedev, his post-match interview. I think it was kind of embarrassing and disrespectful. There are some comments that have been made to me in post-match interviews by a couple of different guys," Shelton said.

Many fans commended Ben Shelton for standing up for his contemporaries. Interestingly, tennis legend Chris Evert also seconded the 22-year-old's opinion on X (formerly Twitter), however, she separated Jim Courier from the rest of the pack.

"I agree with Ben. Sometimes, on court interviewers try to be funny or make it about themselves…. In saying that, Jim Courier is excellent in that role," Evert posted.

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"I just think that's something that needs to change" - Ben Shelton

Ben Shelton - Source: Getty

Continuing his thoughts, Ben Shelton also delved into his own on-court interview experiences which he found to be 'disrespectful', and called for a change so that tennis and its players could benefit from such interviews.

"There are some comments that have been made to me in post-match interviews by a couple of different guys. 'Hey, Monfils is old enough to be your dad, maybe he is your dad.' and 'Hey, Ben, how does it feel no matter who you play, nobody will cheer for you?'"

"I don't think that's respectful. I think broadcasters should be helping us grow our sport. There has just been a lot of negativity and I just think that's something that needs to change."

Shelton will look to shift his complete focus on his next match as he faces the in-form Jannik Sinner in the semifinals of the 2025 Australian Open. The Italian crushed eighth seed and home favorite Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 in the quarterfinals.