Ben Shelton, 22, from Atlanta, advanced to his first Australian Open semifinal after beating Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (4), Wednesday in Melbourne. Shelton has only appeared in one Grand Slam semifinal, when he lost to eventual champion Novak Djokovic at the 2023 US Open.
On Wednesday, Shelton won by playing a more stable ground game than his opponent. Sonego finished with a slight advantage among winners, 63-54, but he made many more unforced errors, 55-33.
“I feel relieved right now, well done to Lorenzo Sonego because it was ridiculous tennis,” Shelton said afterward on court. “I’m really, really happy to finish and get my first win at Rod Laver Arena. Thanks everyone for coming, it was one of my favorite matches of my career.
Shelton, however, criticized on-court interviewers at the Grand Slam for being “disrespectful” to the players. He was interviewed on court by former Australian Davis Cup player John Fitzgerald, who suggested that no one would be cheering for the American in his semi-final, with his opponent yet to be confirmed between the defending champion Jannik Sinner or local hope Alex De Minaur. Sinner then beat De Minaur in straight sets in the evening session at Rod Laver Arena.
On the pitch, Shelton laughed off the comment and said home fans were welcome to boo him or “throw things at his head” if they supported De Minaur. But he was scathing during his post-match press conference. “I was a little shocked this week by the way the players were treated by the broadcasters,” Shelton said.
“I don’t think the guy who made fun of Novak (Djokovic), I don’t think it’s just a single event. I’ve noticed it in different people, not just myself.
Djokovic was annoyed by comments from Australian broadcaster Tony Jones, saying the Serb was “overrated” and a “has-been”. Djokovic declined to give the customary on-court interview following his fourth-round victory over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday, awaiting a public apology from Jones.
Shelton said he was also discouraged during his post-match interview after facing Frenchman Gaël Monfils, 38, in the fourth round. “There were comments made to me in post-game interviews by a few different guys, whether it was, ‘Hey, (Gaël) Monfils is old enough to be your dad. be your father,'” Shelton added.
“Or today on the field: ‘Hey, Ben, how does it feel to know that no matter who you face in your next match, no one will be cheering for you?’ That may be true, but I just don’t think this comment is respectful coming from a guy I’ve never met in my life.
Shelton concluded by saying that broadcasters should contribute to the development of the sport and help athletes who have won matches on the biggest stage enjoy one of their biggest moments. “I feel like there’s been a lot of negativity. I think that’s something that needs to change,” he said.
His opponent in the semi-final will be the reigning champion and top seed, Italian Jannik Sinner.
Shelton told the crowd, “If it’s No. 1 in the world, I’m looking forward to it.” I know I have a few in the crowd who will pull for me too.
Shelton has two ATP titles to his name, although both are in relatively minor events: the 2023 Japan Open in Tokyo and the 2024 U.S. Clay Court Championships in Houston. Last year, he failed to reach the quarter-finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments.
