Martina Navratilova totally stood behind Ben Shelton’s harsh criticism of Australian Open broadcasters because the tennis legend highlights that sure interviewers should stage up their sport.
After beating Lorenzo Sonego to make the semifinal at Melbourne Park, the American tennis star had one thing he needed to publicly say.
On the finish of his post-match presser, the world No. 20 needed to level out that the Novak Djokovic – Tony Jones incident wasn’t the one case of a broadcaster making a disrespectful remark a few participant.
When airing out his frustration, Shelton famous that he was informed throughout his on-court interviews that Gael Monfils was “old enough to be your dad” and likewise requested the way it felt understanding that nobody would assist him within the semifinal in opposition to both Jannik Sinner or Alex de Minaur.
Additionally, the 22-year-old talked about that Learner Tien was additionally subjected to some disrespectful remarks after his large win over Daniil Medvedev.
Ben Shelton© Australian Open/YouTube
After itemizing all of the instances, the American urged the media to suppose twice earlier than saying one thing and to additionally work on selling the sport as a substitute of bashing it.
Ben Shelton on the finish of his press convention
“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.
I don’t think that the guy who mocked Novak, I don’t think that was just a…
— Quentin Moynet (@QuentinMoynet) January 22, 2025 Navratilova backs Shelton: He’s right… Some must use their brain a little bit better
“Yeah, he is proper. I imply, these guys are alleged to be selling the game, not knocking it down,” the former 18-time Grand Slam winner said on Tennis Channel.
“On a person stage, tennis gamers have it fairly powerful in comparison with skilled staff gamers, every part’s carried out for them. We’ve got to create our personal staff and pay for every part and win matches to receives a commission.
“So, for the broadcasters to not be well educated enough about the individual player before they make those interviews after the match, et cetera, I mean, just use your brain a little bit better. Yeah, I agree with Ben 100%.”
If Shelton upsets Sinner within the Australian Open semifinal, there is no such thing as a doubt that their will probably be numerous consideration on how his on-court interview will get performed.
