Shelton explodes against the press: "What happened to Novak is not an isolated case"

Raquel Bermúdez Rodríguez | 22 Jan 2025 | 11.51

Shelton explodes against the press: "What happened to Novak is not an isolated case." Photo: Getty

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At the end of his usual press conference, Ben Shelton took a few minutes to share some words about the situation between Novak Djokovic and a Channel 9 presenter at this 2025 Australian Open who mocked the Serbian: "I have been a bit surprised this week by the way players have been treated by the media. I don't think the presenter who mocked Novak is an isolated case. I have seen it with different people, not just towards me. For example, with Learner Tien, when he beat Medvedev. I think his on-court interview was disrespectful and embarrassing.

There have been certain comments about me in those on-court interviews by a couple of people, saying that Monfils was old enough to be my father, maybe he is, or that it didn't matter who I played against, that no one would cheer for me. It may be true, but I don't think it's respectful coming from someone I don't know. I think broadcasters should help the sport grow, for us to enjoy a great moment. There is a lot of negativity, and I believe it's something that needs to change."

Interesting end to Ben Shelton’s press conference.

Unprompted, he took a moment to tear into the quality of local broadcasting and specifically on-court interviewing at #AusOpen. pic.twitter.com/ig76VrKq2C
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 22, 2025