Novak Djokovic declined a post-match TV interview after profitable within the fourth spherical of the Australian Open after an on-air persona from the native Australian broadcaster of the event made damaging feedback about him in entrance of Serbian followers.
On Friday, Channel 9’s Tony Jones did a section with Djokovic followers standing behind him at Melbourne Park. Jones proceeded to do his personal chant and known as the 24-time Grand Slam champion “overrated” and a “has-been” on air. He additionally mentioned “kick him out,” which was a reference to Djokovic’s deportation from Australia in 2022.
Following his win towards Jiri Lehecka, Djokovic briefly grabbed the mic and thanked these in attendance with a fast assertion, then walked away from the post-match interview. He did keep to signal autographs, however bought some boos from the gang.
Djokovic later shared a video explaining why he did not wish to communicate extra.
“A couple of days in the past, a well-known sports activities journalist right here from Australia who works for a essential broadcaster of the Australian Open, Channel 9, determined to mock Serbian followers and he made insulting and offensive feedback in the direction of me,” Djokovic mentioned.
Djokovic apologized to the reporter who was going to interview him post-match, Jim Courier, and to others who weren’t concerned within the state of affairs. Nevertheless, he felt strongly about his resolution as a result of neither Jones nor Channel 9 had supplied an apology.
“I’ve to face by my resolution and maintain this stance till one thing is completed,” he mentioned. “I go away it to Channel 9 and hopefully that state of affairs will change for the subsequent match.”
Djokovic is probably the most profitable participant in Australian Open historical past with 10 titles, the latest taking place simply two years in the past.
The incident with Channel 9 blew up and even Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese was requested about it in a radio interview. He described Djokovic as a “effective tennis participant” and mentioned there was “place for extra respect.”
It seems the message was obtained by the broadcaster.
“I thought-about it to be humor, which is in step with most issues I do…” Jones mentioned on Sunday. “Having mentioned that, I used to be made conscious on Saturday morning from Tennis Australia through the Djokovic camp that the Djokovic camp was not joyful in any respect with these feedback. I instantly contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them for any disrespect that Novak felt that I prompted. As I stand right here now, I stand by that apology to Novak if he felt any disrespect, which fairly clearly he does.”
Jones additionally addressed the Serbian followers.
“I do really feel as if I’ve let down the Serbian followers,” he mentioned. “I am not simply saying this to attempt to wriggle out of hassle or something. I genuinely really feel for these followers. So, I can solely once more inform Novak what I advised him 48 hours in the past. And that’s I do apologize if he felt that I disrespected him.”
Channel 9 issued an official apology as properly.
“9 wish to apologize to Novak Djokovic for any offense prompted from feedback made throughout a latest reside cross,” learn the assertion. “No hurt was meant in the direction of Novak or his followers. We sit up for additional showcasing his Australian Open marketing campaign at Melbourne Park.”
There has not been a response from Djokovic’s aspect but. The Serbian star can be taking over Carlos Alcaraz in a marquee quarterfinal match.
