American tennis player Ben Shelton, a semi-finalist at the Australian Open, has expressed his shock over comments made by Melbourne TV hosts that he described as “embarrassing.” The hosts had mocked Novak Djokovic and his fans during a recent broadcast, leading to a public apology from one of the presenters.
Shelton, one of the buzz makers in the tournament, stated that he is not comfortable with the treatment Djokovic was given, something that was unbecoming for a sport where sportsmanship and respect are hallmarks. When the apology aired, Shelton was not bashful about how he felt about it.
The controversy comes at a time when the Australian Open has been widely covered in the media, and fans are following the performances and off-court drama closely. Shelton’s remarks reflect his wish for sports media to be more respectful and professional.
The controversy reveals the tension in the world of tennis media and raises questions about the responsibility of broadcasters to foster a positive environment for athletes and their supporters.