Ben Shelton is currently doing his utmost to focus on a huge Australian Open semi-final against Jannik Sinner, but his efforts off the court are also attracting attention.
Shelton has criticised player treatment from broadcasters at the Grand Slam, angry with the negativity being generated.
His comments came after Novak Djokovic refused an on-court interview after his fourth round win at the Australian Open, having been left annoyed by criticism from Channel 9’s Tony Jones.
Like Djokovic, Shelton has been hugely impressive in Melbourne so far, and is now into a first Australian Open semi-final.
But the American has seemingly been distracted by an unwanted issue as he prepares for another battle with ATP number one Sinner.
Jon Wertheim likes ‘thoughtful’ on-court interviews after Ben Shelton criticism
Journalist Jon Wertheim has now shared his thoughts on the situation, having been asked on X: “Ben Shelton called out the ridiculous on court Interviews today while giving examples.
“Djokovic declined an on-court interview earlier in the week. Tennis media is getting itself a bad reputation. When are they held to account?”
He replied: “I respect that Shelton came with specific receipts, and it wasn’t simply ‘the media sucks’… Valid complaint/point for discussion.
“Can I encourage differentiation among locals doing cringe on-court interviews; an aggressively unfunny/lame live TV segment; ‘the tennis media’?”
Another question then went his way: “How much value do these interviews bring, in your opinion? When I’ve been in the stands, I can barely hear them.
“Too loud around me. For the TV audience, maybe off-court is better. I do like getting a sense of the player’s personality (when it’s a lesser-known).”
And Wertheim responded: “I’d say it’s a value add, esp when it’s [Jim] Courier or another professional, asking thoughtful/appropriate questions… the open secret: like the famous Popovic mid-game interviews, these Q/As have been negotiated, ie part of rights fees.”
Ben Shelton could permanently change on-court interviews after Australian Open criticism
Shelton undoubtedly deserves praise for speaking out against such interviews, as does Djokovic for taking a stance.
Many fans will definitely want to hear what the players have to say, particularly when emotions are running high right after their matches.
And while many ATP and WTA stars will be well-trained to deal with the media and not give too much away, there is a real possibility for interesting insight and enjoyable moments if the right questions are asked.
Players will also be aware of the rights fees rule whereby they need to talk to the media, with a much more open atmosphere set to be created if interviews are not intrusive or disrespectful, like they have been in the eyes of Shelton.
The young American has acted well beyond his years, and his criticism may just force broadcasters to change their tune for the rest of the Australian Open and at other tournaments.
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