MELBOURNE, Australia — Novak Djokovic says he will not conduct on-court interviews at the Australian Open until he receives an apology for “insulting and offensive comments” from a Australian television presenter.
Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones led a sports 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 is a has-been…Novak kicks him out.”
The “deport him” comment appeared to refer to when Djokovic was deported from Australia ahead of the 2022 tournament, after the government canceled his visa due to Covid-19 protocols.
After his victory over Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round on Sunday to set up a quarterfinal with Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic did not conduct the normal on-court interview with American former world number one Jim Courier, instead briefly thanking fans for ‘have come and gone. court.
When Djokovic arrived for his post-match press conference, he explained the situation: “I would just like to clarify why the interview did not take place on court, the post-match interview match.
“A few days ago, the famous sports journalist who works for the official Channel 9 here in Australia, made fun of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me. And since then, he has chosen not to make any public apology. Neither does Channel 9. As they are official broadcasters, I have chosen not to give interviews for Channel 9.
“I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public. It was a very delicate situation for me to face on the pitch today. It’s a shame I chose to say something to the crowd, but it obviously wasn’t the time, space or situation for me to explain what I’m doing right now.
“I leave it to Channel 9 to deal with this as they see fit. That’s all.
A Channel 9 spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Jones also caught the attention of Danielle Collins, after calling the American a “brat” following her argument with the Australian public on Thursday.
“I love that old man, Tony Jones,” Collins said at a news conference Thursday. “I love the way he treated me like a kid. It’s so Gen Z and Millennial right now with Charli XCX,” she said.
“I really want him to do the dance. He must do it. I really want to have a one-on-one with him, and we have to dance.
Speaking on Channel 9 Sunday morning service, Jones said 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 clashing with a small number of fans at Rod Laver Arena. He will play at Alcaraz on Tuesday.
GO DEEPER
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz prepare for Australian Open quarter-finals by swapping roles
(Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
