The 2025 Australian Open hasn’t been short of controversies. Especially surrounding the 10-time AO champion, Novak Djokovic. Just a few days ago, the Serb refused to participate in an on-court interview in response to a bizarre remark made by a renowned Australian broadcaster, Tony Jones. There have been a few more similar incidents like that, causing a major uproar. Now, interestingly, American tennis star Ben Shelton has opened up on all these controversies following his impressive victory against Lorenzo Sonego in the QF. What has he said?

Well, Ben Shelton showcased his support for Novak Djokovic on the whole incident which took place a few days ago. He also highlighted a few more incidents that raised his eyebrows. “I’ve been a little shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters and 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,” Shelton said.

Just a few days ago, Learner Tien made headlines for not just his win over the three-time AO finalist, Daniil Medvedev but also for his awkward post-match interview with John Fitzgerald. During that interview, Fitzgerald said, “Nineteen-year-olds are not meant to be that good.” Tien looked a bit confused after hearing this, as he answered, “I mean, I don’t know what to say to that.” There were a few other awkward moments during that interview, including Fitzgerald handing the mic to Tien after the completion of the interview.

Highlighting all these things, Ben Shelton said, “I noticed it with Learner Tien in one of his matches. I think when he beat Medvedev. His post-match interview. I thought that was kind of embarrassing and disrespectful that interview. There’s some comments that have been made to me in the post-match interview by a couple of different guys whether it was ‘Hey Monfils is old enough to be your dad, maybe he’s 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’s going to be cheering for you.”

Although he said that with a broad smile, Ben Shelton found those incidents quite disrespectful. Speaking about his expectations from the broadcasters, Shelton added, “I feel like broadcasters should be helping us grow our sport and help these athletes who just won matches on the big stage. Enjoy one of their big moments and I feel like there’s just been a lot of negativity and I think that’s something that needs to change.”

Novak Djokovic is, however, not the only player ruffled by Channel 9 journalist Tony Jones at the 2025 AO? Jones previously called Danielle Collins a “brat” as well and said that she “overstepped” her mark with her comments on the Aussie crowd who were booing and jeering at her during her matches.

However, Ben Shelton now needs to shift all his focus from these controversies. He has an uphill task in hand as he is all set to face the World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the semis. Can he do the unthinkable?

Coco Gauff’s former coach speaks on what Ben Shelton needs to do to beat the world number one

Just after finishing his match against Lorenzo Sonego, Ben Shelton shared his thoughts on what he’s expecting from the crowd in the mega SF on Friday. At that time, his opponent was yet to be decided, so he said, “Well, I mean, if it’s the home favourite, Alex de Minaur, 100 per cent you guys can boo me, you can throw stuff at my head. I understand, home guy.” Then on Sinner, he said, “If it’s the No. 1 in the world, it’ll probably be the same. I’m looking forward to it. I know I got a few people in the crowd who are going to be pulling for me too.”

However, Jannik Sinner later defeated Alex de Minaur by 6-3,6-2,6-1 in the QF match and he’s all set the face the American in the next match. Sinner has a 4-1 lead over Shelton in the H2H and guess what? The Italian is 14-0 against Americans in Grand Slam tournaments. Can Ben Shelton force a massive upset in the 2025 AO?

Well, according to Coco Gauff’s former coach, Brad Gilbert, “I don’t believe he’s (Shelton) ever dropped more than 20 [aces in a match] and he has that capability. I think he needs to drop a 25 spot to be able to beat a Sinner. That’s the first number I will look at.”

In their previous match, Ben Shelton fired 9 aces against Sonego. It’ll be interesting to see how many he fires against someone like Sinner. According to James Blake, Ben Shelton must mix up his service attack against Sinner. He believes that’s the only way to keep Sinner “off balance” in this mega battle. Who’s your pick in this match?