Novak Djokovic refused to participate in an on-court interview at the Australian Open following his fourth-round victory.
Ten-time Australian Open champion Djokovic was in fine form on Sunday, beating Czech star Jiri Lehecka in straight sets to reach his 15th quarter-final in Melbourne – equaling Roger Federer’s tally.
He surged at the end of the first set, then at the start of the second, with just two breaks of serve needed to go two sets ahead against the 24th seed.
The Serb suffered a minor scare when he lost a break lead in the third set, although he ultimately sealed a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4) victory in two hours and 39 minutes .
However, Djokovic then did not speak to Australian Open doubles and former world number one Jim Courier in an on-court interview after the match.
The ten-time champion quickly took the microphone and relayed a simple message before leaving the field, still taking the time to sign autographs before leaving Rod Laver Arena.
He said: “Thank you very much for being here this evening. I appreciate your presence and support – and I’ll see you in the next round.
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There was crowd disturbance during the match, with Djokovic complaining to referee Mohamed Lahyani at times throughout the match.
Djokovic has since confirmed it was a protest against comments made about him and Serbian fans on Australia’s Channel 9.
But, by speaking Eurosport Subsequently, four-time major winner Courier revealed that Djokovic had not initially confirmed the reason for his refusal.
“Maybe we will know more later at the press conference,” said the American. “He just didn’t want to talk to us.
“I had no idea this was going to happen. There’s no obligation for these players to do that (an interview), right? It’s an opportunity for them to talk to the people in the stadium, and of course the fans around the world who might be watching. A player can unsubscribe.
“Sometimes if a player is injured or cramping he can come off, but I don’t think that’s the case. Hopefully we’ll get a little more color at some point.
Despite not having an on-court interview, Djokovic spoke to Eurosport’s Barbara Schett off-court after beating Lehecka.
The former world number 7 believed the Serbian decided not to speak due to crowd issues during the match.
“I also thought that in the last match (against Tomas Machac), some of the spectators, the tennis fans, got under his skin a little,” added Schett.
“The same thing happened today and I think he thought, ‘I’ve had enough, I’m going to go today.'”
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