Djokovic boycotts on-court interviews at Australian Open over Channel Nine reporter | Novak Djokovic

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 scheduled to speak with Jim Courier for the on-court interview after advancing to the quarterfinals, but after a brief no-mic conversation with Courier, Djokovic instead took the mic and spoke briefly to 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: “A few days ago the famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster Channel Nine here in Australia made a mockery of Serbian fans and also insulting and offensive comments to me,” he said. “And since then he chose not to give any public apology. Neither did Channel Nine. So, as they are official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews to Channel Nine.

“I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public. 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 crowd but it was obviously not the time and place or situation for me to explain what I’m doing right now. I’ll leave it to Channel Nine to handle this as they see fit. That’s all.” He later posted a video on his X accountt addresses fans where he further explained the situation.

Tony Jones, a veteran reporter for Channel Nine, was criticized last week for a TV spot performed in front of a Serbian crowd. The video has since gone viral on social media: “Welcome back to Melbourne Park where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans in full voice. The songs are absolutely extraordinary,” Jones said.

After turning to face the crowd, Jones then began chanting at them: “Novak, he’s overrated. Novak has been. Novak, throw him out. Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me, ” he sang.

Djokovic was pictured speaking to Craig Tiley, the Australian Open tournament director, after leaving the court: “I told him: ‘If you want to fine me for not giving an interview on the court, that’s fine, I’ll accept it’ because I feel it’s something that needs to be done.’ That’s all there is to it.”