Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has spoken out in defence of interviewers working at the 2025 Australian Open after some players criticised questions they had been asked during the fortnight.

American star Ben Shelton notably hit out at some interviewers working at the tournament, claiming that the lines of questioning he and other players had received were ‘disrespectful’.

The 22-year-old said he had been left ‘shocked’ by some of the comments and gained support from tennis greats Boris Becker and Chris Evert for his criticism.

Tiley, though, said that on balance, there were some scenarios where questions could have been better but on the whole, believed that most of the interviews conducted were reasonable.

When asked if players were ‘too precious’ over the on-court interviews, Tiley said to Gerard Whateley on SEN1116: ‘It’s a good question because I could teach it that way myself, because everyone gets so sensitive about things.

‘Look in some cases, I think the question could have been different – but in most cases, I think the question was very fair.

‘It’s about entertainment. It’s why we have Court No 6 the “bar court”, we have more freedom of movement for fans.

‘What we’re trying to do is create an experience for fans that they really love those memorable moments [and that] they want to come back.

‘We’ve had more visitors from overseas than we’ve had pre-covid. More interstate visitors.

‘That is an indication that people do want to come to this event and they see this as a highlight on their sporting calendar and entertainment calendar.

‘Part of those interviews are also a part of the show and there’s going to be times when a player doesn’t like it or times where a fan doesn’t like it.

‘But there are times when there’s going to be 60 [interviews] a day, so nothing is going to be perfect.’

Shelton, though, surprised reporters inside the media rooms at Melbourne Park after his quarter-final victory against Lorenzo Sonego last Wednesday, rolling into an unprompted speech hitting out at the line of questioning that some players had received.

‘One thing that I just want to say before we’re done,’ Shelton began. ‘I’ve been a little bit shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters.

‘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.’

Shelton’s comments also came after Novak Djokovic was mocked by Channel 9’s Tony Jones during a live television segment. The Australian broadcaster copped widespread criticism from around the world after he claimed that the 24-time Grand Slam champion, who had reached the semi-finals of last week’s tournament, was a ‘has-been’.

Shelton brought up the controversial moment that dominated headlines during the middle weekend of the tournament before the American tennis star claimed that there were several other instances throughout the week where he thought interviewers had overstepped the mark.

‘I don’t think that the guy who mocked Novak, I don’t think that was just a single event,’ Shelton said.

‘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 in his post-match interview, I thought it was kind of embarrassing and disrespectful.

‘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, [it] may be true, but I just don’t think the comment is respectful from a guy I’ve never met before in my life,’ he added.

Some have rallied behind Shelton following his comments, with Czech tennis star Jiri Lehecka, who was beaten by Djokovic in the fourth round, stating: ‘Well said @BenShelton.’

Boris Becker added: ‘Absolutely agree with Ben!

‘Courtside interviews way too long after matches… and too personal as well!’

Chris Evert added: ‘I agree with Ben. Sometimes, on-court interviews try to be funny or make it about themselves. In saying that, Jim Courier is excellent in that role.’