Novak Djokovic declined a post-match TV interview after successful within the fourth spherical of the Australian Open after an on-air persona from the native Australian broadcaster of the match made unfavourable 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 referred to as the 24-time Grand Slam champion “overrated” and a “has-been” on air. He additionally stated “kick him out,” which was a reference to Djokovic’s deportation from Australia in 2022.
Following his win in opposition to 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 obtained some boos from the group.
Djokovic later shared a video explaining why he did not wish to converse extra.
“Just a few days in the past, a well-known sports activities journalist right here from Australia who works for a foremost broadcaster of the Australian Open, Channel 9, determined to mock Serbian followers and he made insulting and offensive feedback in direction of me,” Djokovic stated.
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. Nonetheless, 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 stated. “I go away it to Channel 9 and hopefully that state of affairs will change for the subsequent match.”
Djokovic is essentially 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 “tremendous tennis participant” and stated there was “place for extra respect.”
It seems the message was acquired by the broadcaster.
“I thought of it to be humor, which is in keeping with most issues I do…” Jones stated on Sunday. “Having stated 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 triggered. 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 stated. “I am not simply saying this to try to wriggle out of bother or something. I genuinely really feel for these followers. So, I can solely once more inform Novak what I informed 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 want to apologize to Novak Djokovic for any offense triggered from feedback made throughout a current stay cross,” learn the assertion. “No hurt was meant in 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 up Carlos Alcaraz in a marquee quarterfinal match.
