Ben Shelton has something he wants to say about Novak Djokovic controversy as he's not happy with on-court interviews at Australian Open

Ben Shelton has battled his way into another Grand Slam semi-final after a superb Australian Open win over Lorenzo Sonego.

Shelton was backed to win his Australian Open quarter-final, which he eventually did after three hours and 50 minutes.

The two-time ATP champion fought off the more experienced Sonego 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4) at Rod Laver Arena, where a raucous atmosphere was generated.

Shelton now faces a likely semi-final against Jannik Sinner, in what is his best run at the Australian Open to date.

But despite his dream run, the 22-year-old isn’t entirely happy, with Shelton now echoing the frustration of Novak Djokovic with a non-playing issue at the tournament.

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Ben Shelton ‘shocked’ by how players have been treated by Australian Open broadcasters

Djokovic refused an on-court interview after his fourth round match, having been displeased with comments from Channel 9’s Tony Jones about him and his fans.

Darren Cahill and Patrick McEnroe defended Djokovic for his stance, with Shelton sharing a similar sentiment in his latest post-match press conference.

Asked if there was a specific turning point against Sonego, he replied: “Yeah, I mean, obviously I had the lead early.

READ MORE: Novak Djokovic confirms what he’ll do if the Australian Open decide to fine him for refusing to do on-court interview

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“It felt like the momentum shifted on his side, for sure. He punched me in the mouth. He started swinging big and landing a lot of body blows. It was tough to keep up with.

“I mean, it was neck and neck. I wasn’t able to get the break, even though I was fighting, diving, doing whatever I could to try to get a break in the fourth.

“Yeah, I’m not really sure where the turning point was in the breaker. He made a couple unforced errors, kind of opened the door for me. I was able to capitalise.

“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.

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“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 [Daniil] Medvedev, 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.”

Tennis needs more figures like Ben Shelton and Novak Djokovic

Shelton is absolutely spot on in his criticism of specific broadcasters, who often speak out of line or indeed ask questions solely to create unnecessary controversy or drama.

And like Djokovic, the American has taken it upon himself to speak out on the issue, which certainly deserves praise.

READ MORE: Boris Becker, Victoria Azarenka and Jon Wertheim all react after Novak Djokovic refuses to conduct on-court interview at the Australian Open

And unlike the Serbian, Shelton is only 22, and therefore deserves further praise for his maturity, which he has shown time and again.

Broadcasters should have an obligation to report on the truth, along with respecting players, but their often over-friendly nature with the stars of the game clearly crosses the line on occasion.

Djokovic received somewhat of an apology from Jones, but as Shelton alluded to, it hasn’t been the only such incident at the Australian Open.

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