The post-match interviews during the 2025 Australian Open have come in for stinging criticism from some greats of the tennis world.
American Ben Shelton, who has reached the semi-finals of this year’s tournament, ignited a viral firestorm over the issue in his unprompted comments in his press conference following his quarter-final victory over Lorenzo Sonego on Wednesday.
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Channel 9 host Tony Jones’ mockery of Serbian fans, the subsequent brief boycott of the network by Novak Djokovic and apology from the TV veteran was among the more high-profile incidents involving the broadcast.
But Shelton pointed out a series of cringe-worthy moments, including a suggestion to him that Frenchman Gael Monfils could be his father, an assertion the crowd would be against the American in his semi-final and John Fitzgerald’s bizarre interview nearing 3am local time with teenager Learner Tien after his five-set second round win over Daniil Medvedev.
Watch Shelton’s comments in the video player above
“One thing I just want to say, I’ve been a little bit shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters,” Shelton said.
“I don’t think that the guy who mocked Novak (Jones), 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 his post-match interview, I thought it was kind of embarrassing and disrespectful that interview.”
Some of the interviews he referenced were conducted by Australian Open staff, rather than Channel 9 or Stan Sport broadcasters.
Jim Courier, who was absent for the start of the tournament due to the fires in Los Angeles, and Jelena Dokic are among the talent that interviews players for the host broadcaster.
Shelton’s comments have set off an enormous amount of commentary on social media, including from some all-time greats of the sport.
Former world No. 1 and six-time grand slam champion Boris Becker wrote on X: “Absolutely agree with Ben!
“Courtside interviews way too long after matches … and too personal as well!”
Chris Evert, one of the best tennis players ever, wrote: “I agree with Ben. Sometimes, on court interviewers try to be funny or make it about themselves.
“In saying that, Jim Courier is excellent in that role.”
Czech tennis player Jiri Lehecka, who lost to Djokovic in the fourth round in Melbourne, added: “Well said @BenShelton.”
Tennis reporter Ben Rothenberg tweeted the video and wrote: “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 #AO2025.”
Courier and John McEnroe have hit some of the right notes during their interviews at the year’s opening grand slam, including two hilarious on-court moments with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
Noted firebrand McEnroe and the Italian had a funny exchange about on-court temperament, while Courier got Sinner talking about his sleeping habits that include sleeping 10 hours a day.
It’s a fine line between delving a little deeper to find out more about a player than just how their match unfolded or their thoughts on their next opponent.
But the risk is overstepping, as a number of interviewers appear to have done this year.
The Australian Open has long been known as the “Happy Slam” and players have consistently called it their favourite event of the tennis season.
That reputation risks being dented by these incidents and Shelton’s decision to call it out has been widely praised online.
Renowned photojournalist Wayne Ludbey tweeted: “Important feedback from the players.”
Journalist Amy Lundy Dahl wrote: “Definitely worthy of some careful consideration.”
Another X account stated: “Love this from Ben, especially speaking up for Tien who is a newcomer on the tour.”
Tennis fan Opta Gayce tweeted: ”Good to see him being honest and speaking out. The sport is better when players and everyone else is honest about the levels of respect we should expect. I hope players can also speak up on behalf of umpires & judges when they’re disrespected.”
There were a few comments that disagreed with Shelton’s stance.
Tennis Tonic wrote: “Understand his point, however, sometimes we can just laugh and move on. There are more important things in life than get stuck on some weird/cringe comments.
“Otherwise we can get offended by absolutely everything.”
Another X user wrote: “Come on, man up Ben! One dimensional analysis of how a match was won doesn’t give the audience a chance to get to know the characters – and surely that’s the point? Watch a few Rafa/Roger post match interviews – treating all questions with humour and class.”
It all means the interviewers are going to be under an intense spotlight as the rest of the tournament unfolds.
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