Novak Djokovic isn’t the one Australian Open competitor dismayed by the commentary from broadcasters at this yr’s match.
American Ben Shelton expressed disgust “with how gamers have been handled 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 factor that I simply wish to say earlier than we’re achieved, I’ve been a bit of bit shocked this week with how gamers have been handled by the broadcasters,” Shelton concluded his press convention Wednesday following his quarterfinals win over Lorenzo Sonego.
“I don’t suppose that the man who mocked Novak, I don’t suppose that was only a single occasion. I’ve seen it with totally different folks, not simply myself. I seen it with Learner Tien in one in all his matches. I believe when he beat [Daniil] Medvedev, [in the second round], his post-match interview, I believed it was type of embarrassing and disrespectful that interview.”
At some point earlier than Channel 9’s Tony Jones referred to 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 should not meant to be that good,” and “I do know the place you reside, by the way in which,” in line with 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 concerning 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 sufficiently old to be your dad, perhaps he’s your dad,’ or right this moment on the court docket, ‘Hey, Ben, how does it really feel that regardless of who you play in your subsequent match nobody’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 really feel like broadcasters ought to be serving to us develop our sport and assist these athletes who’ve simply received matches on the most important stage take pleasure in one in all their greatest moments, and I really feel like there’s been numerous negativity and I believe that’s one thing that should 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 brought about from feedback made,” in line with the Related Press, with the assertion including: “No hurt was supposed in direction of Novak or his followers.”
Djokovic squares off in opposition to Alexander Zverev within the semifinals later this week.