Novak Djokovic says he will scrap Australian Open interviews on court until Tony Jones apologizes

MELBOURNE, Australia – Novak Djokovic says he will not conduct on-court interviews at the Australian Open until he receives an apology for “disrespect” from an Australian TV host.

Channel 9 newsreader Tony Jones conducted a sports segment from Melbourne Park on Friday in front of Serbian fans who were waiting to see Djokovic’s third-round clash with Tomas Machac. Joining the rhythm of their chant in support of Djokovic, Jones said: “Novak is overrated … Novak is a so far … Novak throw him out.”

The “kick him out” comment appeared to refer to when Djokovic was deported from Australia ahead of the 2022 tournament after the government canceled his visa.

After his fourth-round victory over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday to set up a quarter-final with Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic did not conduct the normal on-court interview with the American former world no. 1 Jim Courier, but instead briefly thanked fans for coming and walking away. right.

When Djokovic arrived at his post-match press conference, he explained the situation: “I just want to clarify the reason why the interview was not conducted on the court, the interview after the match.

“A few days ago, the famous sports journalist who works for the official TV station, Channel 9 here in Australia, made fun of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments to me. And since then he chose not to give any public apology Neither did Channel 9. So as they are official broadcasters I chose not to give interviews to Channel 9.

“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 obviously it wasn’t the time and place 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 spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Jones has also caught the eye of Danielle Collins after calling the American “a brat” after she fell out with the Australian crowd on Thursday.

“I love this old guy, Tony Jones,” Collins said at a news conference Thursday. “I just love how he called me a brat. It’s just so Gen Z and Millennial right now with Charli XCX,” she said.

“I really want him to dance. He’s going to do it. I really want to have a one-on-one with him and we’re going to dance.”

Speaking on Channel 9’s Breakfast service on Sunday, 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 again clashing with a small number of fans at Rod Laver Arena. He will play Alcaraz on Tuesday.

GO DEEPER

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz set up the Australian Open quarter-finals by switching roles

(Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)