Novak Djokovic refuses post-match interview at the Australian Open and storms off court as he lashes out at Channel Nine
Novak Djokovic certainly knows how to make a rather dull day of Grand Slam tennis end with a bang.
The 10-time champion has launched a boycott of on-court interviews at the Australian Open until he receives an apology from host broadcaster Channel 9 over a segment which he says: ‘Made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me’.
On Friday, Channel 9 host Tony Jones was broadcasting in front of a group of Novak Djokovic supporters at Melbourne Park.
‘Welcome back to Melbourne Park, where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans, they’re in full voice,’ Jones said. ‘The chants are quite extraordinary.’
He then turned round to face them and pantomimed some sledging chants of his own: ‘Novak, he’s overrated,’ Jones sang. ‘Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out.
‘Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me. Anyway, let’s get onto the tennis.’
Novak Djokovic says he is going to stage a boycott of on-court interviews at the Australian Open
It came after a Channel 9 reporter had appeared to mock the Serbian during a televison broadcast
Djokovic briefly thanked fans during the interview before heading off court, he stopped to sign autographs before heading down the tunnel
After Djokovic’s straight-sets win over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday night, which set up a blockbuster quarter-final against Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday, he was approached by Jim Courier for the traditional on court interview. The 10-time champion took the microphone and said: ‘Thank you very much for being here tonight, I appreciate your presence and the support. I’ll see you in the next round,’ before marching off to sign autographs for the fans.
Djokovic was then seen deep in conversation with Australian Open boss Craig Tiley and he began his post-match press conference with a prepared statement: ‘Good evening. 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.
‘A couple of 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 the Australian public. It was a very awkward situation for me to face on the court today. It’s unfortunate. I chose to say something to the crowd, but obviously it 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. That’s all.’
Asked whether this stance would continue until he receives an apology, Djokovic replied: ‘Yes, exactly.’
On the conversation with Tiley, Djokovic said: ‘Exactly what I told you, that’s what I told him. I haven’t seen him since that happened.
‘I have a really nice relationship with Craig, I think he’s a phenomenal guy that always tries to help players and understand the players’ needs or demands, so I just wanted to make sure that he knows where I stand and the reasons behind it.
‘So I told him, “If you guys want to fine me for not giving an on-court interview, that’s OK, I’ll accept that because I feel like this is something that needs to be done”. That’s all there is to it.’
Jones actually has apologised for his comments, in a statement to Balkan TV channel and website SportKlub, but Djokovic clearly expects a direct, personal and public apology.
‘Unfortunately, my “humor” the other night was misinterpreted as an attack on Novak. That was certainly not the case. I’ve been joking with Serbian fans throughout the tournament and this is – at least I thought so – a continuation of that,’ he told SportKlub.
‘If you watch our morning show, you’ll get an idea of how we work. At no point did I mean to show any disrespect to Novak and I apologize – there was certainly no intention to offend him.’
Jones has been with Channel 9 for almost 40 years and is no stranger to controversy. In 2016 he awkwardly attempted to kiss presenter Bec Judd, 22 years his junior, on live television.
This latest gaffe was clearly a misjudged attempt at humour but Djokovic is a proud man and especially alive to any perceived slights on the Serbian people.
According to Courier, players are under ‘no obligation’ to participate in on-court interviews, so a fine for Djokovic appears unlikely, but this is an extremely unfortunate situation for the Australian Open and Tiley.
Channel 9 have been approached for comment.
