Wednesday should have been an overwhelmingly positive day for Ben Shelton after he reached his second Grand Slam semi-final.

However, the 22-year-old decided to use his press conference to hit out at the perceived disrespect players have faced at the Australian Open.

Shelton enjoyed an impressive victory over Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego, 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (4) on Wednesday to reach the last four for the first time in Melbourne.

Following his victory, the American was told by the on-court interviewer that fans would root against him in the next round, due to him either facing defending champion Jannik Sinner or home favourite Alex de Minaur at the time of the interview.

“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,” Shelton said on court.

“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, the comment about being booed in the next round obviously hit a nerve, sparking a spiky rant from Shelton in his post-match press conference. 

The 22-year-old proceeded to sound off on Australian broadcasters, highlighting controversial recent incidents, involving the likes of Novak Djokovic, who was recently mocked by Channel Nine presenter Tony Jones.

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

“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. 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.”

“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?’

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“I mean, may be true, but I just don’t think the comment is respectful from a guy I’ve never met before in my life.”

The American ended his impromptu speech by telling reporters that they need to cut out the negativity and help grow the game, with treatment of players needing to change.

“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,” Shelton added.

“I feel like there’s just been a lot of negativity. I think that’s something that needs to change.”

Shelton is into the Melbourne semi-finals for the first time.

It is just the second time the American has reached this stage in a Grand Slam, with his only other last-four appearance coming in 2023 at the US Open.

The 22-year-old lost to eventual champion Djokovic in New York, but nevertheless announced himself to the tennis world with that incredible run.

Despite not having a standout Grand Slam tournament since, Shelton has improved dramatically since that defeat, and is the 21st seed Down Under.

“I feel relieved right now, shout-out to Lorenzo Sonego because that was some ridiculous tennis,” Shelton said after his quarter-final win. 

“I’m just really happy to be through, to get my first win on Rod Laver Arena. Thanks everybody for coming out, it was one of my favourite matches of my career.“

The 22-year-old will now hope to shake off his ill-feeling towards the Aussie broadcasters ahead of his semi-final clash with Sinner.

The number one seed and reigning champion thrashed de Minuar 6-3 6-2, 6-1 later on Wednesday evening, showing why he’s still the overwhelming favourite to win the title.

The men’s semifinal matches will take place on Saturday 25, with Shelton vs Sinner coming alongside Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev.