Novak Djokovic declined a post-match television interview following his fourth-round victory at the Australian Open after an on-air personality on the tournament’s local Australian channel made negative comments about him in front of Serbian fans.
Channel 9’s Tony Jones did a segment with Djokovic fans behind him at Melbourne Park on Friday. Jones then sang his own chant and called the 24-time Grand Slam champion “overrated” and a “has-been” on air. He also said “expel him”, which referred to Djokovic expelled from Australia in 2022.
After his victory against Jiri Lehecka, Djokovic briefly grabbed the microphone and thanked those present with a brief statement, then walked away from the post-match interview. He stayed to sign autographs, but was booed by the crowd.
Djokovic then shared a video explaining why he did not want to speak further.
“A few days ago, a famous Australian sports journalist who works for one of the main broadcasters of the Australian Open, Channel 9, decided to make fun of Serbian fans and made insulting and offensive comments to respect,” Djokovic said.
Djokovic apologized to the reporter who was going to interview him after the match, Jim Courier, and to others who were not involved in the situation. However, he felt strongly about his decision as neither Jones nor Channel 9 had issued an apology.
“I have to stand by my decision and maintain this position until something is done,” he said. “I leave it to Channel 9 and I hope this situation changes for the next match.”
Djokovic is the most successful player in Australian Open history with 10 titles, the most recent coming just two years ago.
The incident with Channel 9 blew up and even Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was asked about it in a radio interview. He described Djokovic as an “excellent tennis player” and said there was “room for more respect”.
It appears the message was received by the broadcaster.
“I considered it humor, which is most of the things I do…,” Jones said Sunday. “That said, I was informed on Saturday morning from Tennis Australia via the Djokovic camp that the Djokovic camp was not at all happy with these comments. I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and apologized to them for any disrespect felt by Novak that I caused As I stand here now, I maintain my apologies to Novak if he felt any disrespect, which he clearly does.
Jones also addressed Serbian fans.
“I feel like I disappointed the Serbian fans,” he said. “I’m not just saying this to try to avoid trouble or anything. I sincerely feel for these fans. So, I can only repeat to Novak what I told him 48 hours ago. And I I apologize if he felt I disrespected him.”
Channel 9 also issued a formal apology.
“Nine would like to apologize to Novak Djokovic for any offense caused by comments made during a recent live crossover,” the statement read. “No harm was intended for Novak or his fans. We look forward to further showcasing his Australian Open campaign at Melbourne Park.”
There has been no response from Djokovic yet. The Serbian star will face Carlos Alcaraz in a marquee quarter-final match.
