American tennis star Ben Shelton puts Australian Open TV interviewers on blast over treatment of players

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American tennis star Ben Shelton called out the TV interviewers at the Australian Open on Tuesday following his quarterfinal victory, saying that he believes several of the post-match interviews throughout the tournament have crossed a line. 

Speaking to the media following his hard-fought victory over Lorenzo Sonego, Shelton closed his press conference with an unprompted remark about player interviews, which have come under the spotlight this week after Novak Djokovic refused to do an interview following comments made about him and his fan base. 

Novak Djokovic reacts after defeating Tomas Machac following their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

"I’ve been a little shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters," Shelton, 22, said. "I don’t think that guy who mocked Novak – I don’t think that was just a single event. I’ve noticed it with different people, not just myself."

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Shelton named a number of incidents, including his on-court interview following his fourth round victory over 38-year-old French veteran Gael Monfils. The interviewer, Roger Rasheed, noted that Monfils is "almost your dad."

Shelton responded, "Was that a Black joke?" Both players are Black. 

Rasheed replied, "I'm not sure."

Ben Shelton, pictured here, plays a backhand to Lorenzo Sonego during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

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