Ben Shelton Criticizes 'Disrespectful' On-Court Interviews at Australian Open
The spotlight at the Australian Open 2025 hasn’t just been on the thrilling tennis matches but also on the controversies sparked by American tennis star Ben Shelton. Shelton, who has made headlines for his incredible performance and rise in the tennis world, recently directed sharp criticism toward the on-court post-match interviews conducted during the tournament. His remarks have struck a chord with many, sparking a wider discussion about the nature of these interactions.
Shelton, now a two-time Grand Slam semifinalist, expressed his dissatisfaction during a press conference after securing a hard-fought victory against Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego. While celebrating his success, Shelton didn't hold back on his views about the post-match interactions. He voiced concern over what he described as “embarrassing and disrespectful” questions posed to players by certain interviewers.
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He referenced multiple instances, including a cringeworthy late-night interview with fellow American player Learner Tien after his victory over Daniil Medvedev. Shelton found the exchange unprofessional and disrespectful, a sentiment echoed by others in the tennis community. Highlighting his own experiences, he shared moments where broadcasters made comments like, “Monfils is old enough to be your dad,” or, “How does it feel knowing no one will be cheering for you in your next match?” While Shelton acknowledged some of these remarks might be light-hearted, he felt they crossed a line, detracting from the celebratory spirit of victory.
Shelton’s concerns extend beyond himself. He believes broadcasters should use these moments to elevate the sport and celebrate players' accomplishments instead of leaning into negativity or awkward humor. His comments have garnered both support and criticism. Former players like Boris Becker and Jiri Lehecka sided with Shelton, pointing out that interviews sometimes feel unnecessarily long and overly personal. However, others argue that tennis players, as public figures, should be prepared for all kinds of questions, even the challenging ones.
Despite the controversy, Shelton’s candor reflects his desire to see a positive shift in tennis culture. At just 22 years old, he’s already proving to be more than just a rising star—he’s using his platform to advocate for the sport and its players. Whether his comments lead to significant changes or not, they’ve certainly ignited a conversation that resonates well beyond the tennis court.
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