Novak Djokovic has caused a stir at the Australian Open following his refusal to conduct the traditional on-court interview following his fourth round victory over Jiri Lehecka. After the match, he made sure to thank those in attendance, but left before he could answer any questions.
Djokovic explained his reasoning behind his decision not to speak during his post-match press conference. He clarified: “A couple of days ago, a famous sports journalist who works for Channel 9 made a mockery of Serbian fans. He made insulting and offensive comments towards me. He chose not to issue a public apology and neither have channel 9.”
Video: Novak Djokovic Refusing to do On-Court Interview
Djokovic did not name the journalist, but it is clear that he was referring to Tony Jones, a broadcaster from Channel 9. In a news report conducted in front of rowdy Serbian fans, Jones turned to the crowd stating: “The chants are quite extraordinary.” He then mockingly sang along with the chants, saying: “Novak is overrated, Novak’s a hasbeen, Novak, kick him out.”
He concluded his report saying: “Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me.”
Video: Why Novak Djokovic Didn’t do On-Court Interview
Djokovic wanted to make clear that he has had no issues with Jim Courier, the interviewer, or the fans in attendance. He stated that the entire experience was ‘very awkward’, saying: “It wasn’t the time and place to explain the situation like I am now.”
A reporter asked if this would be an ongoing stance until he [Djokovic] received an apology, to which the world number seven responded with: “Yes, exactly.”
Video: Novak Djokovic Explains On-Court Decision
Djokovic then took to social media to double down on his viewpoint, further trying to explain himself by saying: “I was hoping he [Jones] was going to apologise in public, which he has not done yet. So that was the only reason why I didn’t do the interview, which was not a great feeling for me. Jim Courier was the one that came out, and I have tremendous respect for him and I always love speaking to Jim, and I know that a lot of people wanted to hear me speak.
Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open so far (as of 19/01/25) |
||
---|---|---|
Round |
Opponent |
Score |
First round |
N. Basavareddy |
4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 |
Second round |
J. Faria |
6-1, 6-7, 6-3, 6-2 |
Third round |
T. Machac |
6-1, 6-4, 6-4 |
Fourth round |
J. Lehecka |
6-3, 6-4, 7-6 |
“I have to stand by my decision and hold this stance until something is done, and I leave it to channel 9.”
Video: Novak Djokovic Further Addresses On-Court Decision
Djokovic is no stranger to courting controversy during the Australian Open. On the eve of the 2022 tournament, the 10-time champ was deported from the country for breaking COVID-19 restrictions. As he seeks an 11th title in Australia, he will need to overcome world number 3 Carlos Alcaraz, who he will face in the quarter-final on the 21st.

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