Novak Djokovic isn’t the one Australian Open competitor dismayed by the commentary from broadcasters at this 12 months’s match.
American Ben Shelton expressed disgust “with how players have been treated by the broadcasters this week,” citing the remarks lobbied at Djokovic, 37, by a TV presenter, who has since been scrutinized over his apology.
“One thing that I just want to say before we’re done, I’ve been a little bit shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters,” Shelton concluded his press convention Wednesday following his quarterfinals win over Lorenzo Sonego.
“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 [Daniil] Medvedev, [in the second round], his post-match interview, I thought it was kind of embarrassing and disrespectful that interview.”
Someday earlier than Channel 9’s Tony Jones known as Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, “overrated” whereas singing in entrance of Serbian followers, Tien fielded statements final Thursday similar to, “19-year-olds are not meant to be that good,” and “I know where you live, by the way,” in response to Tennis.com.
Djokovic, chasing his eleventh Australian Open title, bowed out of post-match interviews following Jones’ statements final Friday, calling them “insulting” and “offensive.”
Shelton, 22, added Tuesday in regards to the matter, “There’s some feedback which have been made to me in post-match interviews by a pair totally different guys, whether or not it’s, ‘Hey, [Gaël] Monfils is old enough to be your dad, maybe he is your dad,’ or at present on the court docket, ‘Hey, Ben, how does it feel that no matter who you play in your next match no one’s going to be cheering for you.’ I imply perhaps true, however I simply don’t suppose a remark that’s respectful from a man I’ve by no means met earlier than in my life.
“I feel like broadcasters should be helping us grow our sport and help these athletes who’ve just won matches on the biggest stage enjoy one of their biggest moments, and I feel like there’s been a lot of negativity and I think that’s something that needs to change.”
Shelton defeated 38-year-old Monfils en path to the semifinals. He faces reigning Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner on Friday.
As for Djokovic, 9 Community apologized “for any offense caused from comments made,” in response to the Related Press, with the assertion including: “No harm was intended towards Novak or his fans.”
Djokovic squares off in opposition to Alexander Zverev within the semifinals later this week.
