Novak Djokovic skips interview over spat with Australian Open TV network

MELBOURNE, Australia – Novak Djokovic declined to do a customary post-match television interview at the Australian Open after his victory on Sunday night to protest comments made on air by someone who works for the official broadcaster of the tournament in the host country .

Djokovic said he wants an apology from Channel 9 and Tony Jones, who called the 24-time Grand Slam champion overrated and a has-been during an appearance at Melbourne Park where a crowd of the player’s supporters sang.

Djokovic, a 37-year-old from Serbia, did not name Jones but said a “famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster, Channel 9 … made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments to me.”

Djokovic said he will continue to avoid talking to the network.

“I leave it to Channel 9 to handle this in the way they see fit. That’s all,” Djokovic said.

After beating Jiri Lehecka in three sets at Rod Laver Arena to reach the quarter-finals, Djokovic was expected to speak to former player Jim Courier on television. Instead, Djokovic held the microphone and told the crowd: “Thank you so much for being here tonight. I appreciate your presence and support. I’ll see you next round. Thank you very much.”

Later, at his press conference, Djokovic opened with a statement telling reporters why he didn’t do the interview, explaining that he was upset with Jones and the broadcaster, not the Courier or the fans in the stadium.

He said he also spoke to Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley about the issue.

“I just wanted to make sure he knows where I stand and the reasons behind it,” Djokovic said. “So I told him, ‘If you guys want to fine me for not giving an interview in court, that’s fine.’ I’m going to accept that because I feel like this is something that needs to be done.

Djokovic’s quarter-final opponent will be third-seeded Carlos Alcaraz, who also won his fourth-round match on Sunday.

It will mark the eighth installment of the intergenerational rivalry between Djokovic and Alcaraz – and the first at the Australian Open. Djokovic, a 24-time major champion, is 4-3 all-time against Alcaraz, but the 21-year-old Spaniard is 2-1 in their meetings at Grand Slams.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.