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Novak Djokovic will boycott on-court interviews at the Australian Open and media appearances with Channel Nine until he receives an apology from the Australian television network after its reporter “made a mockery” of Serbian fans and “made insulting and offensive comments” towards him.
Djokovic had been due to speak with Jim Courier for the on-court interview after advancing into the quarter-finals, but after a brief off-mic conversation with Courier Djokovic instead took the mic and briefly addressed the crowd before signing autographs and leaving the court.
Djokovic then addressed the issue with a statement at the start of his post-match press conference: “Couple days ago the famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster Channel Nine here in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me,’” he said. “And since then, he chose not to issue any public apology. Neither did Channel Nine. So since they’re official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel Nine.
“I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public. It was a very awkward situation for me to face on the court today. It’s unfortunate I chose to say something to the crowd, but obviously it wasn’t the time and space or situation for me to explain what I’m doing right now. I leave it to Channel Nine to handle this the way they think they see fit. That’s all.” He later posted a video on his X account addressing fans in which he further explained the situation.
Tony Jones, a veteran reporter for Channel Nine, was criticised last week for a television segment conducted in front of a Serbian crowd. The video has since spread virally on social media: “Welcome back to Melbourne Park, where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans, they’re in full voice. The chants are quite extraordinary,” Jones said.
After turning around to face the crowd, Jones then began singing towards them: “Novak, he’s overrated. Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out. Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me,” he sang.
Djokovic was pictured speaking with Craig Tiley, the Australian Open tournament director, after leaving the court: “I told him: ‘If you guys want to fine me for not giving an on-court interview, that’s OK, I’ll accept that ‘cause I feel like this is something that needs to be done.’ That’s all there is to it.”
