Martina Navratilova takes a firm stand after Ben Shelton blasts Australian Open interviewers' "disrespect"

Martina Navratilova backed Ben Shelton after the latter stirred controversy at the 2025 Australian Open by criticizing broadcasters over some of the questions fielded to players in the hardcourt Major's post-match interviews. Shelton suggested that there have been several instances of negativity coming from the interviewers, and Navratilova agreed with the 22-year-old's take.

During a discussion with Tennis Channel panelists on the subject, former WTA No. 1 and 18-time singles Grand Slam champion Navratilova said,

"Yeah, he's right. I mean, these guys are supposed to be promoting the sport, not knocking it down. On an individual level, tennis players have it pretty tough compared to professional team players, everything's done for them. We have to create our own team and pay for everything and win matches to get paid."

Navratilova went on to call out the interviewers over what she perceived as a lack of intelligence from them. The legendary Czech-American concluded by reiterating her support for what Shelton said at a press conference following his quarterfinal win over Lorenzo Sonego.

"So, for the broadcasters to not be well educated enough about the individual player before they make those interviews after the match, et cetera, I mean, just use your brain a little bit better. Yeah, I agree with Ben 100%," she added.

Navratilova's fierce yesteryear rival and close present-day friend Chris Evert also reacted to Shelton's criticism of broadcasters and interviewers at the 2025 Australian Open.

---

"I agree with Ben Shelton" - Martina Navratilova's close friend Chris Evert on young compatriot's bold statement on Australian Open broadcasters

In Picture: Chris Evert (Source: Getty)

Chris Evert, who dominated women's tennis in the 1970s and 1980s alongside Martina Navratilova, was also in agreement with everything Ben Shelton said. Evert voiced her own take on the issue via an X (formerly Twitter) post. However, she lauded Jim Courier for being an exception.

"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 wrote.

Shelton, now through to the second Grand Slam semifinal of his career, is set to lock horns with World No. 1 and defending Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner in the last four. The American and the Italian have faced each other on five previous occasions on the ATP Tour, with Sinner leading the pair's head-to-head 4-1.

Shelton's only win over the Italian came in their first-ever ATP Tour-level clash, a Round of 16 encounter at the 2023 Rolex Shanghai Masters.