MELBOURNE, Australia — Novak Djokovic says he will not conduct on-court interviews at the Australian Open until he receives an apology for “disrespect” from an Australian television presenter.
Channel 9 newsreader Tony Jones was conducting a sport segment from Melbourne Park in front of Serbian fans on Friday, who were waiting to watch Djokovic’s third-round clash with Tomas Machac. Jones joined in with the rhythm of their chants in support of Djokovic, saying: “Novak is overrated … Novak’s a has-been … Novak kick him out.”
The “kick him out” comment appeared to refer to when Djokovic was deported from Australia ahead of the 2022 tournament after the government cancelled his visa.
After his win over Jiri Lehecka in the fourth-round Sunday to set up a quarterfinal with Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic did not conduct the normal on-court interview with American former world No. 1 Jim Courier, instead briefly thanking fans for coming and walking off court.
When Djokovic arrived for his post-match news conference, he explained the situation: “I would like to just clarify the reason why the interview was not conducted on the court, the post-match interview.
“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 neither 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 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.”
A Channel 9 spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Jones has also caught the attention of Danielle Collins, after calling the American “a brat” following her falling out with the Australian crowd on Thursday.
“I love this old guy, Tony Jones,” Collins said in a news conference on Thursday. “I just love how he called me a brat. It’s just so Gen Z and Millennial right now with Charli XCX,” she said.
“I really want him to do the dance. He has to do it. I really want to get a one-on-one with him, and we got to do the dance.”
Speaking on Channel 9’s The Morning Serve on Sunday, Jones said that he accepted Collins’ Brat dance challenge, on the condition that she do it with him.
Djokovic beat Lehecka 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) despite once again coming into conflict with a small number of fans on Rod Laver Arena. He will play Alcaraz Tuesday.
GO DEEPER
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz set up Australian Open quarterfinal by swapping roles
(Cameron Spencer / Getty Images)
