MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Host broadcaster apologizes after Novak Djokovic refused to do a customary on-field post-match interview at the Australian Open Sunday, to protest comments made on air by someone who works for the television channel.
Djokovic said he wanted an apology from Channel 9 and Tony Jones, who called the 24-time Grand Slam champion overrated and a has-been during an on-air appearance at Melbourne Park where a crowd of the player’s supporters chanted.
Djokovic, a 37-year-old Serbian, did not name Jones, but said a “famous sports journalist who works for the official Channel 9… made fun of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me. »
Djokovic said he would continue to avoid speaking to the network.
“I leave it to Channel 9 to deal with this as they see fit. That’s it,” Djokovic said.
Australia’s Nine Network released a statement on Monday and apologized to Djokovic “for any offense caused by comments made during a recent live crossover.”
“No harm was intended toward Novak or his fans,” the statement said. “We look forward to further showcasing his Australian Open campaign at Melbourne Park.”
Jones appeared on the Today show Monday to apologize and said he considered the comments “jokes.”
“I considered it humor, which is most of the things I do,” he said. “That said, I have been informed… that the Djokovic camp is not at all happy with these comments.
“I immediately contacted Djokovic’s camp and apologized to them. And as I stand here now, I maintain my apologies to Novak.
Jones also apologized to Serbian fans who did not interpret his comments as humorous.
“I feel like I disappointed the Serbian fans,” he said. “I’m not just saying this to try to get out of trouble or anything. I really feel for these fans.
“So I can only repeat to Novak what I told him 48 hours ago. And I apologize if he felt I was disrespectful to him.
After beating Jiri Lehecka in three sets on Sunday at Rod Laver Arena to reach the quarterfinals, Djokovic was scheduled to speak with former player Jim Courier on television. Instead, Djokovic held the microphone and told the crowd: “Thank you very much for being here tonight. I appreciate your presence and support. I’ll see you in the next round. Thank you so much.”
Later, at his press conference, Djokovic began with a statement, explaining to reporters why he had not done the interview and clarifying that he was upset with Jones and the broadcaster, not the Courier or the fans. in the stadium.
He said he had also spoken to Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley about the issue.
“I just wanted to make sure he knew where I stood and the reasons behind it,” Djokovic said. “So I told him: ‘If you want to fine me for not giving an interview on the pitch, that’s OK.’ I will accept it because I feel like it is something that needs to be done. That’s all there is to it.
Djokovic then posted a message on X reiterating why he refused to speak. This triggered a response from the owner of Billionaire X, Elon Muskwho said: “It is much better to speak directly to the public rather than going through the negative filter of traditional media. »
Djokovic responded to Musk’s tweet with “Indeed” followed by a raised hands emoji.
Djokovic is set to face No. 3 seed Carlos Alcaraz. in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.
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AP Sports writer John Pye contributed from Brisbane, Australia.
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