The world of tennis was rocked by an unprecedented controversy after Ben Shelton’s public statements, which sparked a global debate on the integrity of the ATP and the 2026 Australian Open. His accusations immediately attracted the attention of the media, fans and professionals.
Shelton, a young American star, chose a crowded press conference to openly express his suspicions, breaking a silence that according to him has lasted too long. His words had a disruptive impact, calling into question the transparency of the most prestigious competitions.
At the center of the accusations is Jannik Sinner, world number one, indicated by Shelton as the beneficiary of anomalous treatment during the tournament. According to the American, some key events were not the result of chance, but the result of targeted decisions by the organizers.
One of the most discussed episodes concerns the third round match against Eliot Spizzirri, played in extremely hot conditions. Shelton highlighted how the closure of the roof of Rod Laver Arena occurred at a crucial moment, just as Sinner was showing obvious signs of cramps.
That decision allowed the Italian player to recover physically and reverse the inertia of the match. Shelton called the timing “perfect” and difficult to justify as a simple coincidence, suggesting an intentional intervention to favor the tournament favorite.
The heat rule, already controversial in the past, has thus returned to the center of criticism. Many observers have wondered why the application seems to vary depending on the players on the pitch, fueling suspicions of non-uniform management of playing conditions.
In addition to the roof, Shelton pointed the finger at the calendar and the assignment of the fields. According to him, Sinner would have benefited from more favorable hours and a constant presence on the central court, while other players faced more demanding courses.
The American said he played more matches on secondary pitches, with less visibility and less stable conditions. This, he says, creates a competitive advantage for the top stars, reinforcing the idea of a system that rewards those who generate the most revenue.
“When you’re number one, you not only get points,” Shelton said, “but also special treatment.” A phrase that quickly made the rounds on social media, becoming the symbol of a broader protest against the extreme commercialization of modern tennis.
The accusations did not stop at the calendar and structures. Shelton also raised doubts about refereeing decisions, claiming that some crucial calls were systematically in Sinner’s favor at decisive moments in his matches.
In particular, an episode of the fourth round match against Luciano Darderi was cited, in which an out call would have been corrected in favor of Sinner after his protests. A video released online further fueled the controversy.
According to Shelton, these incidents undermine players’ trust in the referee system. The perception of partiality, even if not demonstrated, risks compromising the credibility of the competitions and respect for the rules that are equal for all.
His statements took on an even harsher tone when he spoke of “pay-to-play”, an expression that suggests a tennis dominated by economic interests rather than sporting merit. A heavy accusation that divided public opinion.
Many fans expressed support for Shelton, seeing in his words the courage of those who challenge an established system. Others, however, accused him of looking for justifications before an important match against the number one.
Pressure on the ATP has grown rapidly, with calls for clarification and transparency from former players and commentators. The idea of a formal investigation has become a central theme in television debates and on digital platforms.
Shelton stressed that he did not want to attack just a single athlete, but the entire decision-making mechanism of professional tennis. According to him, ignoring these issues now could have irreversible consequences for the sport.
The timing of the accusations, on the eve of the quarter-finals, made the situation even more tense. Media attention has quickly moved from the pitch to the managers’ rooms, where the future of the tournament’s image is decided.
Surprisingly, the ATP president responded almost immediately to the statements, with an intervention that left Shelton visibly taken aback. His words, according to those present, suddenly changed the tone of the conference.
The ATP reaction was interpreted as a signal of the seriousness of the situation. Even without going into detail, the commitment to evaluating the facts suggested that the allegations will not be dismissed superficially.
It now remains to be seen whether a formal investigation will follow and what the consequences will be for Sinner, for the organizers of the Australian Open and for the entire circuit. One thing is certain: the debate over the integrity of tennis can no longer be ignored.
