By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Sunday, January 19, 2025
Photograph credit score: Andy Cheung/Getty
Speak is affordable, however main mockery price Channel 9 an on-court interview with Novak Djokovic.
Ten-time Australian Open champion Djokovic declined the customary on-court interview with Corridor of Famer Jim Courier after his 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) AO fourth-round win over Jiri Lehecka.
Extra: Sinner and Cahill to Half After 2025
“Thanks for being right here tonight. Thanks for the presence and help. See you within the subsequent spherical,” Djokovic instructed Rod Laver Area followers earlier than handing the microphone again to Courier and strolling away to signal some autographs earlier than departing the court docket.
In his post-match presser afterward, the 37-year-old Serbian celebrity mentioned he blew off the on-court interview in protest of Channel 9 host Tony Jones mocking Serbian followers and insulting Djokovic himself as a “failure” and “overrated.”
Novak Djokovic defined in his press convention that he didn’t need to speak to host broadcaster Channel 9, most likely due to what occurred right here two days in the past. pic.twitter.com/YxZFu7MX9R
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 19, 2025
Jones’ feedback had been televised by host broadcaster Channel 9 whereas Serbian followers celebrated a Djokovic victory chanting “Nole! Nole!” whereas waving Serbian flags. Jones, apparently aggravated by the chanting Serbian followers, mocked the gang in a sing-song voice mimicking Serbian followers however saying “Novak, he is overrated….Novak, he is a has-been.”
Aggravated by Jones’ remarks—and the shortage of an apology from the host or Channel 9—Djokovic mentioned he boycotted the interview, will settle for any fantastic forthcoming and has no plans to vary his place.
“Couple days in the past the well-known sports activities journalist who works for official broadcaster, Channel 9 right here in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian followers and likewise made insulting and offensive feedback in direction of me,” Djokovic instructed the media in Melbourne. “And since then, he selected to not challenge any public apology. Neither did Channel 9. So since they’re official broadcasters, I selected to not give interviews for Channel 9.
“I’ve nothing in opposition to Jim Courier or neither the Australian public. It was a really awkward state of affairs for me to face on the court docket as we speak. It is unlucky I selected to say one thing to the gang, however clearly wasn’t the time and house or state of affairs for me to clarify what I am doing proper now.
“I depart it to Channel 9 to deal with this the best way they suppose they see match. That is all.”
When somebody tells us we have got to attend two days for @carlosalcaraz vs @DjokerNole.#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/O3vLhMAZMX
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 19, 2025
The previous world No. 1 mentioned he is already talked to AO Event Director Craig Tiley and instructed Tiley he pays any fantastic levied for his boycott.
Nevertheless, Djokovic mentioned he’ll preserve his stance and the ball is now in Channel 9’s court docket to resolve the standoff.
“I simply wished to ensure, as I’ve very nice relationship with Craig, I feel he is an exceptional man that all the time tries to assist gamers and perceive the gamers’ wants or calls for, so I simply wished to guarantee that he is aware of the place I stand and the explanations behind it,” Djokovic mentioned. “So I instructed him, you already know, In case you guys need to fantastic me for not giving an on-court interview, that is okay, I will settle for that ‘trigger I really feel like that is one thing that must be carried out.
“That is all there may be to it.”
A couple of phrases about what occurred on court docket. pic.twitter.com/jRof2npiwH
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 19, 2025
ESPN analyst Darren Cahill, who can be Jannik Sinner’s coach, mentioned Djokovic had each proper to take offense and reply.
“I am certain Tony was attempting to be humorous,” Cahill mentioned on ESPN. “But it surely was inappropriate.
“And I do not blame Novak for taking offense to that.”
Djokovic, who equalled Roger Federer’s file by reaching his fifteenth AO quarterfinal, will tackle reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon winner Carlos Alcaraz for a semifinal spot in a rematch of the Olympic gold-medal match.
Count on Serbian followers to be out in full pressure, however how will Aussie followers reply? And can Channel 9 or Tony Jones apologize or at the very least challenge touch upon Djokovic’s statements?
Keep tuned and buckle up as week two guarantees drama on and off court docket.
