Australian Open boss Craig Tiley responds to player criticism of on-court interviews – after US star lashed out at ‘disrespectful’ questioning
Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley has expressed himself to defend interviewers who worked on the Australian Open from 2025 after some players criticized the questions they were asked during the two weeks.
The American star Ben Shelton particularly went to some interviewers who worked in the tournament and claimed that the lines of interrogating the interrogation that he and other players had received were ‘disrespectful’.
The 22-year-old said that he had been left ‘shocked’ by some comments and received support from tennis greats Boris Becker and Chris Evert for his criticism.
Tiley, however, said that on balance there were some scenarios where questions could have been better, but in general it believed that most interviews held were reasonable.
When asked whether players were ‘too expensive’ about the interviews on the field, Tiley said Gerard Whateley on Sen1116: ‘It’s a good question because I could learn it myself that way, because everyone becomes so sensitive to things.
‘Look in some cases, I think the question could have been different – but in most cases I think the question was very honest.
Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley has defended interviewer questions during the tournament
It comes after Ben Shelton was a player who criticized a number of interview questions after the game and claimed that some interviewers had been ‘disrespectful’
“It’s about entertainment. That is why we have Court No 6 the “Bar Court”, we have more freedom of movement for fans.
‘What we are trying to do is create an experience for fans that they really love those memorable moments [and that] They want to come back.
‘We have had more visitors from abroad than we had pre-covid. More Interstate visitors.
‘That is an indication that people want to come to this event and they see this as a highlight on their sports calendar and entertainment calendar.
‘Some of those interviews are also part of the show and there will be times when a player doesn’t like it or that a fan doesn’t like it.
‘But there are times when 60 comes [interviews] A day, so nothing will be perfect. ‘
Shelton, however, surprised reporters in the media rooms in Melbourne Park after his quarterfinals victory against Lorenzo Sonego last Wednesday, rolled into a non-spoken speech that put on the line of questions that some players had received.
“One thing I just want to say before we are ready,” Shelton began. ‘I was a bit shocked this week with how players were treated by the broadcasters.
Shelton said he had remained ‘shocked’ by a few questions he and other players were asked
Earlier last week, Tony Jones was severely criticized after the broadcaster of Channel 9 during a live TV broadcast claimed that Novak Djokovic was a ‘Has-Been’
‘I think broadcasters should help us grow our sport and help these athletes who have just won competitions on the biggest stage, enjoy one of their greatest moments.
‘I feel that there has just been a lot of negativity. I think that is something that should change. ‘
Shelton’s comments also came after Novak Djokovic was mocked by Tony Jones from Channel 9 during a live television segment. The Australian broadcaster received widespread criticism from all over the world after claiming that the 24-way Grand Slam champion, who had reached the semi-final of last week’s tournament, was a ‘has-is’.
Shelton raised the controversial moment that the headlines dominated during the middle weekend of the tournament before the American tennis star claimed that there were several other authorities all week in which he thought interviewers had exceeded the goal.
“I don’t think the man who mocked Novak, I don’t think that’s just one event,” said Shelton.
‘I noticed with different people, not just myself. I noticed it with student ten in one of his competitions. I think when he defeated Medvedev in his interview after the game, I thought it was a bit embarrassing and disrespectful.
“There are some comments made to me in interviews after the game by a few different boys, whether it was:” Hey, Monfils is old enough to be your father. Maybe he’s your father “.
‘Or today on the field:’ Hey, Ben, how does it feel that, regardless of who you play in your next game, nobody will cheer for you? ‘
Shelton had also questioned the line of student ten (photo) during his interview on the field after his epic victory against Daniil Medvedev
‘I mean, [it] Maybe true, but I just don’t think the comment is respectful of a man I have never met before in my life, “he added.
Some after his comments, with the Czech tennis star Jiri Lehecka, who was defeated by Djokovic, with the Czech tennis star Jiri Lehecka, “good told @benshelton in the fourth round.”
Boris Becker added: ‘Absolutely agree with Ben!
“Courtside interviews way too long after competitions … and also too personal!”
Chris Evert added: ‘I agree. Sometimes interviews on the field try to be funny or make it about themselves. By saying that, Jim Courier is excellent in that role. ‘