Yahoo Sports Shelton criticises 'disrespectful' on-court interviews
American Ben Shelton has criticised "negative" and "disrespectful" on-court interviews with players at the Australian Open.
Shelton beat Italy's Lorenzo Sonego 6-4 7-5 4-6 7-6 (7-4) on Wednesday to reach the semi-finals, after which the on-court interviewer suggested no-one would be cheering for the 22-year-old in his next match.
His semi-final opponent, world number one and defending champion Jannik Sinner, had not been confirmed at that point.
"There are some comments that have been made to me in post-match interviews by a couple of different guys," said the world number 20.
"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, [it] may be true, but I just don't think the comment is respectful from a guy I've never met before in my life."
Earlier this week, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic refused to do his usual on-court interview after his fourth-round win against Jiri Lehecka following what he described as "insulting and offensive" comments by Channel Nine's Tony Jones.
Jones shouted "Novak, he's over-rated, Novak's a has-been, Novak kick him out" towards Djokovic fans while live on air at the Australian Open on Friday.
The Australian broadcaster has since apologised for his remarks but Shelton says that incident was not a one-off.
"I've been a little bit shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters," he said.
"I don't think that [Djokovic being mocked] was just a single event. I've noticed it with different people, not just myself."
Shelton also referred to an "embarrassing and disrespectful" on-court interview with 19-year-old American Learner Tien after his shock second-round victory against fifth seed Daniil Medvedev.
The on-court interviewer told Tien "19-year-olds aren't meant to be that good" before asking him if he had heard of his third-round opponent Corentin Moutet.
"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," added Shelton.
"I feel like there's just been a lot of negativity. I think that's something that needs to change."
BBC Sport has contacted Tennis Australia, which organises the Australian Open, for comment.
