Novak Djokovic Refuses Post-Match Interview at Australian Open Over Insulting Comments
MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic has announced that he will no longer take part in post-match interviews at the Australian Open after accusing a Channel Nine anchor of making “insulting comments” about him and Serbian people.
After his 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) victory over Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round, Djokovic skipped the usual post-match interview. Instead, he took the microphone from interviewer Jim Courier, briefly thanked the crowd, and walked off, despite some boos from the audience.
In a press conference after the match, Djokovic explained his decision. He revealed that a few days earlier, a prominent sports journalist from Channel Nine made disrespectful comments about Serbian fans and him. Although Djokovic did not name the journalist, he seemed to refer to Tony Jones. Djokovic expressed his frustration with the lack of a public apology from either the journalist or Channel Nine, which led him to boycott interviews with the broadcaster.
“I chose not to give interviews to Channel Nine because they are the official broadcasters,” Djokovic stated. He clarified that he held no ill will towards Jim Courier or the Australian public but felt the situation on court was uncomfortable.
When asked if he would continue to avoid Channel Nine interviews until an apology was issued, Djokovic confirmed, “Yes, exactly.” The tennis star added that he was in contact with Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley and was willing to accept any fines for skipping the interview, saying, “I feel like this is something that needs to be done. That’s all there is to it.”
Reports suggest that Djokovic’s supporters were upset after Tony Jones mocked both the player and his fans during a broadcast earlier in the week.
Tags: Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025, tennis news, Djokovic interview boycott, Serbian fans, Channel Nine controversy, tennis media, Djokovic press conference, Australian Open controversy
Disclaimer. Above information have been gathered from various newspapers for information purpose only.
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