Ben Shelton takes huge swipe at broadcasters for inflicting ‘negativity’ in the media amidst Novak Djokovic’s Channel 9 controversy
Ben Shelton earns his place in the semifinals of the 2025 Australian Open after defeating Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4).
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Novak Djokovic and Ben Shelton (via X)
Novak Djokovic’s controversy with Channel 9 host Tony Jones has become a major topic at the Australian Open. The Serbian did well to make sure the veteran broadcaster apologized but that has opened a floodgate of concerns. Ben Shelton, who earned his place in the semifinals of the Grand Slam tournament, called out broadcasters for their negativity.
The whole drama began last week when Tony Jones said on a live session on Channel 9 that Djokovic was overrated. The Australian broadcaster was then heavily criticized and Djokovic acted on Sunday (January 19) by not engaging in the traditional on-court interview after his fourth round win at the Australian Open.
He was defended by legendary coach Darren Cahill, who agreed it was disrespectful. However, on Monday (January 20), Jones publicly apologized, with Channel 9 also putting out a statement about it. After Shelton earned his place in the last four of the Australian Open, he was asked during his press conference what was the turning point in his win against Lorenzo Sonego.
After the American star answered the question, he cut in before another question, stating that the quality of the on-court interviewers this year has been poor. He added the broadcasters are inflicting negativity in the media after Djokovic’s controversy with Channel 9.
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. 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.
Ben Shelton said (via Australian Open press)
Shelton concluded that broadcasters are supposed to help grow the sport and the players not churning out negativity in the media. The American is into the second semifinals of the Australian Open.
Ben Shelton reveals the aspects of his game he has improved after reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open
Ben Shelton showed a high level of character and determination as he defeated Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4) at the Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday (January 22). The 22-year-old became the second active American man to reach multiple Grand Slam semifinals after Frances Tiafoe. He has now improved his head-to-head record against Sonego to 2-1.
During the aforementioned interview, Shelton was asked what he felt different between now and when he got to the 2023 US Open semifinals. The tennis star said he has serving and hitting more winners.
The difference in my game now is that when I played the 2023 US Open, I felt like everything had to be perfect. I was playing on the edge. Hitting a lot of winners, serving incredibly. Everything had to align perfectly for me to go far. Lately, in the matches here in Melbourne, it hasn’t been all perfect.
Ben Shelton said
Shelton will face Jannik Sinner in the semifinals after the latter defeated Alex de Minaur in straight sets in their semifinal clash. The American star is also expected to go six places to No.14 in the updated ATP rankings.
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Victor Okechukwu
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