America's Ben Shelton has been left unimpressed by the treatment players have received from Australian Open broadcasters, branding it "embarrassing and disrespectful".
Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones has made headlines for all the wrong reasons, calling Novak Djokovic "overrated" and a "has-been" during a live cross.
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But Shelton, 22, wanted the media to be made aware that Jones wasn't the only one who had failed to read the room.
"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," he revealed.
"I don't think that the guy who mocked Novak, I don't think that was just a single event. I've noticed it with different people, not just myself. I noticed it with Learner Tien in one of his matches. I think when he beat Medvedev [in] his post-match interview, I thought it was kind of embarrassing and disrespectful that interview.
"There are some comments that have been made to me in post-match interviews by a couple of different guys, whether it was, Hey, Monfils is old enough to be your dad. Maybe he is your dad. Or today on the court, Hey, Ben, how does it feel that no matter who you play in your next match, no one is going to be cheering for you?
"I mean, may be true, but I just don't think the comment is respectful from a guy I've never met before in my life.
"I feel like broadcasters should be helping us grow our sport and help these athletes who just won matches on the biggest stage enjoy one of their biggest moments. I feel like there's just been a lot of negativity. I think that's something that needs to change."
The Monfils comment was made by commentator and former player Roger Rasheed, while Tien's interview was conducted by former doubles world No.1 John Fitzgerald.
18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert agreed with Shelton's view on X.
"I agree with Ben. Sometimes, on court interviewers try to be funny or make it about themselves…. In saying that, @RealJimCourier is excellent in that role," she wrote.
World No.24 Jiří Lehečka also supported Shelton, quoting journalist Ben Rothenberg's post with a caption "(two clap emojis) well said @benshelton".
Shelton prevailed in his quarter-final against Lorenzo Sonego in four sets, setting up a date with another Italian, world No.1 and defending champion Jannik Sinner, for a place in Sunday's final.
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