New Delhi: Serbian Tennis legend Novak Djokovic refused to do a customary post-match TV interview after his victory against Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka as a protest for remarks made on air by Tony Jones who works for the official broadcaster of the Australian Open in the host Country.
After winning the game, Djokovic was expected to speak to former player Jim Courier on television. However, he held the microphone and told the crowd “Thank you very much for being here tonight. I appreciate your presence and the support. I’ll see you next round. Thank you very much”.
He explained the decision to not give an interview and said that a journalist who works for Channel 9 insulted him and Serbian fans and since then there has been no public apology from the journalist and the broadcaster.
The Serbian legend also took to X to clarify the situation and further added that he left it to Channel 9 to handle this the way they think and he has nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public.
“It was a very awkward situation for me to face on the court today. It is unfortunate I chose to say something to the crowd, but obviously there wasn’t the time and space or situation for me to explain what I’m doing right now” he added.
A few words about what happened on court. pic.twitter.com/jRof2npiwH
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 19, 2025
What exactly happened?
This happened after a video of Channel 9 newsreader Tony Jones went viral in which he was seen making insulting comments about Novak Djokovic and his fans.
“Novak is overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out,” Jones said during a live broadcast while describing a group of Serbian fans, adding, “I am glad that they can’t hear me”.
I’m sure TJ would never ever have said this about Fed or Nadal.
Very ugly hey @DjokerNole
Unprofessional @9NewsMelb pic.twitter.com/1rDob11pvX
— Valerie💐 (@AussieVal10) January 17, 2025
The Serbian legend defeated the 24th seed Lehecka by 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4) in the fourth round to set up a blockbuster quarter-final clash against Carlos Alcaraz.
Novak Djokovic accused an Australian sports journalist of insulting him and Serbian fans on air. He refused to speak to the broadcasters after his fourth-round victory on Sunday. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
