"These commentators are the worse, rich snobs" - Fans react to Ben Shelton calling out Australian Open interviewers for 'disrespectful' treatment

Ben Shelton's criticism of the broadcasters and interviewers covering the Australian Open after his quarterfinal win has sparked discussions among tennis fans. Many fans have seconded the American's views and commended him for raising his voice

Shelton passed the Lorenzo Sonego test 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4) to reach his second Grand Slam semifinal. However, during the post-match press conference, he decided to address the controversies involving broadcasters and interviews at the Melbourne Major this year.

"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," Ben Shelton said.

The World No. 20 referenced Novak Djokovic's controversial incident, where the Serb demanded an apology from Channel 9 broadcaster Tony Jones for mocking him and his Serbian fans calling him 'overrated' and asking him to be 'kicked out', seemingly alluding to Djokovic's deportation saga at the 2022 Australian Open. Jones later apologized for his actions.

He also mentioned Learner Tien's not-so-well-received on-court interview after defeating Daniil Medvedev.

"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 Medvedev his post-match interview, I thought it was kind of embarrassing and disrespectful that interview."

Ben Shelton boldly stated some big changes needed to be made to promote the sport healthily.

"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."

Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to commend Ben Shelton for standing up for what was right.

One fan lashed out at how the media labeled the 22-year-old as 'disrespectful' after he had unveiled his infamous 'hanging the phone up' celebration.

"But when Ben tries to celebrate and actually comes up with a move like “hanging the phone up” that could actually benefit the sport, If marketed correctly, he was TORN TO THE GROUND For being disrespectful, these commentators are the worse, out of touch rich snobs, gatekeepers," the fan lashed out.

Another fan said that journalists were overstepping the line during their interviews to get a few extra laughs.

"He's totally right. The question about the crowd was definitely disrespectful. Tennis players shouldn't be treated like divas but some journalists/interviewers go way too far while trying to be funny and edgy," the fan commented.

Here are some other reactions from tennis fans expressing their approval of Shelton's views:

"The post-match Tien interview was so bad. I remember watching it and being like, what is this? Dude wasn’t even asking him anything. Shelton is awesome," a fan said.

"Yes, I noticed this too but only in men's match interviews. I feel that women (being ex-players mostly) did a better job and kept it more posive and lighter," a fan remarked.

"I don’t particularly like Shelton but he echoes my thoughts in terms of the cringe and embarrassment that ought be directed towards Channel 9 and Tennis Australia," a fan opined.

"I thought it was incredibly well put by Ben. Sometimes broadcasters and journalists need to be put in their place but for a young, upcoming player to voice his disappointment was brave. The kid's got game and cojones," a fan quipped.

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"I just don't think the comment is respectful from a guy I've never met before in my life" - Ben Shelton

Ben Shelton - Source: Getty

Continuing his thoughts, Ben Shelton expressed disappointment with the questions he was asked during his on-court interview during the Australian Open. He mentioned the examples from interviews after his wins over Gael Monfils and Lorenzo Sonego.

After his win against Sonego, Shelton was told he might not enjoy the crowd's support during his semifinal against either home favorite Alex de Minaur or the World No. 1 Jannik Sinner during the on-court interview. The American didn't take those comments too kindly.

"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," Ben Shelton said.

However, Ben Shelton will look to focus on continuing his enthralling tennis as he plays the World No. 1 and the defending champion Jannik Sinner in the semifinals of the 2025 Australian Open on Friday, January 24.