By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Sunday, January 19, 2025
Picture credit score: Andy Cheung/Getty
Discuss is affordable, however main mockery value 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 Enviornment 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 famous person 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, in all probability due to what occurred right here two days in the past. pic.twitter.com/YxZFu7MX9R
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 19, 2025
Jones’ feedback have 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 group 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 dearth of an apology from the host or Channel 9—Djokovic mentioned he boycotted the interview, will settle for any superb 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 the direction of me,” Djokovic instructed the media in Melbourne. “And since then, he selected to not subject 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 towards Jim Courier or neither the Australian public. It was a really awkward scenario for me to face on the court docket right now. It is unlucky I selected to say one thing to the group, however clearly wasn’t the time and area or scenario for me to elucidate what I am doing proper now.
“I go away it to Channel 9 to deal with this the way in which they assume they see match. That is all.”
When somebody tells us we have 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 superb levied for his boycott.
Nonetheless, Djokovic mentioned he’ll keep his stance and the ball is now in Channel 9’s court docket to resolve the standoff.
“I simply needed to ensure, as I’ve very nice relationship with Craig, I feel he is an exceptional man that at all times tries to assist gamers and perceive the gamers’ wants or calls for, so I simply needed to be sure that he is aware of the place I stand and the explanations behind it,” Djokovic mentioned. “So I instructed him, you recognize, If you happen to guys need to superb 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 executed.
“That is all there’s to it.”
ESPN analyst Darren Cahill, who can be Jannik Sinner’s coach, mentioned Djokovic had each proper to take offense.
“I am positive Tony was making an attempt 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.
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