Martina Navratilova totally stood behind Ben Shelton’s harsh criticism of Australian Open broadcasters because the tennis legend highlights that sure interviewers should degree up their sport.
After beating Lorenzo Sonego to make the semifinal at Melbourne Park, the American tennis star had one thing he wished to publicly say.
On the finish of his post-match presser, the world No. 20 wished 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 advised throughout his on-court interviews that Gael Monfils was “sufficiently old to be your dad” and likewise requested the way it felt figuring out that nobody would help him within the semifinal towards 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 massive win over Daniil Medvedev.
After itemizing all of the instances, the American urged the media to assume twice earlier than saying one thing and to additionally work on selling the sport as an alternative of bashing it.
Ben Shelton on the finish of his press convention
“One factor that I simply need to say earlier than we’re finished. I have been a bit of bit shocked this week with how gamers have been handled by the broadcasters.
I do not assume that the man who mocked Novak, I do not assume that was only a…
— Quentin Moynet (@QuentinMoynet) January 22, 2025
Navratilova backs Shelton: He is proper… Some should use their mind a bit of bit higher
“Yeah, he is proper. I imply, these guys are purported to be selling the game, not knocking it down,” the previous 18-time Grand Slam winner mentioned on Tennis Channel.
“On a person degree, tennis gamers have it fairly robust in comparison with skilled crew gamers, all the pieces’s finished for them. We now have to create our personal crew and pay for all the pieces and win matches to receives a commission.
“So, for the broadcasters to not be properly educated sufficient concerning the particular person participant earlier than they make these interviews after the match, et cetera, I imply, simply use your mind a bit of bit higher. Yeah, I agree with Ben 100%.”
If Shelton upsets Sinner within the Australian Open semifinal, there isn’t a doubt that their might be a lot of consideration on how his on-court interview will get performed.
