U.S. tennis player Ben Shelton has used a media conference following his win against Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego to question the quality of coverage by Australian Open broadcast partner Channel 9.
Shelton’s comments follow an earlier incident involving former world No. 1, Novak Djokovic, who refused a post-match interview after one commentator made jokes towards Serbian fans.
“One thing that I just want to say,” Shelton told reporters.
“I’ve been a little bit shocked this week by how players have been treated by the broadcasters and I don’t think that the guy who mocked Novak, I don’t think that was just a single event.”
Shelton referenced comments made to Thai player Learner Tien after he beat Russian champion Daniil Medvedev in an epic five-set match on Jan. 16.
“I’ve noticed it with different people, not just myself,” Shelton said.
“I noticed it with Learner Tien ... when he beat Medvedev in his post-match interview, I thought it was kind of embarrassing and disrespectful that interview.”
Tien appeared confused after commentator John Fitzgerald remarked, “19-year-olds are not meant to be that good.”
Fitzgerald then said, “I used to live in Newport Beach [in California], so I know where you live, by the way.”
Shelton pointed to his own post-match interview where the 22-year-old was told his opponent Gael Monfils was old enough to be his dad, and that Monfils could even be his dad.
Shelton is the son of one-time professional tennis player and coach Bryan Shelton.
The U.S player referenced another incident where the interviewer asked him how he felt “knowing no one would be cheering for him” at his next match.
“I mean, it may be true, but I just don’t think that comment’s respectful from a guy I’ve never met before in my life,” Shelton said.
“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, and I feel like there’s just been a lot of negativity, and I think that’s something that needs to change.”
The Epoch Times contacted Channel 9 for comment.
The standard of sports commentating has attracted criticism with household names retiring across a range of sports, and instead, former players taking up the reins without the necessary training or suitability.
Earlier in the week, Serbian superstar Djokovic refused an on-court post match interview in protest over the actions of Channel 9 broadcaster Tony Jones.
During a live cross, Jones was standing in front of Serbian fans waving flags and chanting.
He would remark to the TV audience: “Novak, he’s over-rated. Novak’s a has-been, Novak, kick him out.”
“Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me. Anyway, let’s get onto the tennis.”
Djokovic felt the comments were insulting to both himself and his fans.
Jones later issued a public apology.
