Novak Djokovic wants an apology from the Nine Network following Tony Jones’ comments

Novak Djokovic has said he will avoid doing on-court interviews at the Australian Open until he receives an apology from the Nine Network after journalist Tony Jones “taunted Serbian fans”.

A furious Djokovic refused to do the usual on-court interview for the broadcast, this time with two-time Australian Open winner Jim Courier, instead delivering a terse statement to the crowd and walking off court to scattered boos from the stunned crowd.

Djokovic opened his press conference with a statement before taking questions, explaining that his protest was against the host broadcaster, the Nine Network, following reporter Tony Jones’ “taunting of Serbian fans”.

“A few days ago, a famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster, Channel Nine, here in Australia made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments to me,” he told reporters at Melbourne Park .

“Since then he chose not to issue any public apology, nor did Channel Nine. As they are the official broadcaster, I chose not to give interviews to Channel Nine.

“I have nothing against Jim Courier and the Australian public and it was a very awkward situation for me to face on the field today.

“It’s a shame, I chose to say something to the audience, but it was obviously not time and space for me to explain what I’m doing right now.

“I leave it to Channel Nine to deal with this as they see fit and that’s all.”

Jones drew criticism last week for a live broadcast in which he said the 24-time grand slam champion was a “has been”.

“Welcome back to Melbourne Park where you can see Novak Djokovic fans, they are in full voice. The chants are quite extraordinary,” he said.

Jones then turned around and began singing to the audience, live on air.

“Novak, he’s overrated,” Jones sang.

“Novak has been. Novak, throw him out.

“Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me. Anyway, let’s get on the tennis court.”

That combination did not sit well with Djokovic, who won a gold medal for Serbia at the Olympic Games in Paris.

Speaking to Eurosport, Courier, who has been part of Nine’s coverage of the Australian Open since it received the TV rights to the 2019 major, said he had “no idea” Djokovic would refuse to speak.

Djokovic said his frustration was not with fans, despite receiving some boos during his fourth-round win over Jiří Lehečka.

“The reason I didn’t give an interview is not because of the crowd,” he said.

Shortly after walking off the court, a visibly demonstrative Djokovic was caught talking to Australian Open boss Craig Tiley in the bowels of Melbourne Park.

“I have a really good relationship with Craig and I think he’s a phenomenal guy who always tries to understand the players’ needs and demands,” he said.

“So I just wanted to make sure he understands where I stand and the reasons behind it.

“I said to him, ‘If you guys want to fine me for not giving an interview in the courts, that’s fine, I’ll accept that because I feel like this is something that needs to be done’.”

Djokovic will face third seed Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster quarter-final next.