Novak Djokovic has revealed he refused to do a post-match TV interview at the Australian Open after being disrespected by an Aussie broadcaster.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion has demanded an apology from Channel 9 journalist Tony Jones, who ridiculed the tennis superstar in front of Serbian fans at Melbourne Park. A clip that has gone viral on social media shows Jones gesturing towards the crowd and taunting: “Novak, he’s overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out.”
And after beating Jiri Lehecka in straight sets, Djokovic opted against speaking to four-time Grand Slam champion Jim Courier. Instead, the 37-year-old opted to take the mic to tell the Melbourne Park crowd: “Thank you for being here tonight, I appreciate your presence and support and I’ll see you in the next round.”
Now, after setting up a blockbuster quarter-final with Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic explained his reasons by saying: “I would like to just clarify the reason why the interview was not conducted on the court, the post-match interview, like it’s a common, usual practice. Couple days ago the famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster, Channel 9 here in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me.
“And since then, he chose not to issue any public apology. Neither did Channel 9. So since they’re official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9. I have nothing against Jim Courier or neither the Australian public.
“It was a very akward situation for me to face on the court today. It’s unfortunate I chose to say something to the crowd, but obviously wasn’t the time and space or situation for me to explain what I’m doing right now. I leave it to Channel 9 to handle this the way they think they see fit.
“I told [Craig Tiley], if you guys want to fine me for not giving an on-court interview, that’s OK. I’ll accept that ’cause I feel like this is something that needs to be done. That’s all there is to it.”