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Djokovic refused to do a customary post-match TV interview with Jim Courier after broadcaster Channel 9 employee Jones called the Serbian overrated and a has-been.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during a fourth round match against Lehecka of the Czech Republic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
Novak Djokovic, who secured his place in the quarterfinal of the Australian Open 2025 with a win over Czech Jiri Lehecka in straight sets, refused to do a customary post-match TV interview with broadcaster Channel 9 after an employee, Tony Jones, made disrespectful comments about the Serbian on air.
Djokovic, who set up a high-profile encounter against Carlos Alacaraz in the last-eight with his win on Sunday, was expected to have a chat with former player Jim Courier following the conclusion of the game but walked off the court after a brief address to the fans.
“Thank you very much for being here tonight. I appreciate your presence and support. I’ll see you next round. Thank you very much,” Djokovic said before exiting the arena.
Djokovic clarified his frustration with Jones in the post-match press conference and called for an apology.
“A couple of days ago the famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster, Channel Nine here in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me,” Djokovic said.
“And since then, he chose not to issue any public apology. Neither did Channel Nine. Since they’re official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel Nine,” Djokovic clarified.
“I have nothing against on-court interviewer Jim Courier or the Australian public. It was an awkward situation for me to face on the court, but I had to stand by my decision,” he explained.
“I leave it to Channel Nine to handle this the way they think they see fit. That’s all,” the ten-time AO champion said.
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Earlier in the week, during Channel 9’s broadcast, Jones mocked the 24-time Grand Slam winner and his fans who were demonstrating their support for the Serbian legend.
“Novak he’s over-rated, Novak’s a has-been. Novak kick him out. Oh, I’m glad they can’t hear me,” Jones said.