MELBOURNE, Australia — Atlanta native Ben Shelton has advanced to the semifinals of the Australian Open, his tournament best.
On Wednesday, Shelton defeated Italian Lorenzo Sonego, 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, in his quarterfinal match at the Melbourne, Australia-based tournament.
This run marks Shelton’s third shot at the Australian Open title. His previous tournament best was the quarterfinals in 2023.
Next up, he faces off with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner from Italy.
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During his post-match interview on Wednesday, Shelton took a moment to criticize the TV broadcasters interviewing players.
He followed his final answer at his news conference by saying: “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 began by referencing the flap over a television commentator’s on-air insults about Novak Djokovic, which caused the 24-time Grand Slam champion to refuse to speak to the local broadcaster, Channel 9, after one match.
“I don’t think that was just a single event,” Shelton said. “I’ve noticed it with different people, not just myself.”
Shelton also noted two of his own on-court TV interviews. After the 22-year-old’s win against 38-year-old French veteran Gael Monfils in the fourth round, interviewer Roger Rasheed, a former tennis coach, attempted to make a joke by saying, “He’s almost your Dad.”
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Both Shelton and Monfils are Black. Shelton responded to Rasheed: “Was that a Black joke?” To which Rasheed replied, “I’m not sure.”
Shelton closed by saying: “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 Associated Press contributed to this report.
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