Broadcaster apologises after Novak Djokovic boycotts on-court interview in protest of ‘insulting and offensive’ comments
A broadcaster has apologised to Novak Djokovic after he boycotted an on-court interview at the Australian Open on Saturday.
The 24-time Grand Slam record holder overcame Jiri Lehecka in straight sets to book a blockbuster quarter-final clash with Carlos Alcaraz, but he wasn’t in the mood to talk about it post-match.
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Djokovic took the microphone and turned away from four-time Grand Slam champion Jim Courier to speak to the crowd, uttering just 24 words.
He said: “Thank you very much for being here tonight, I appreciate your presence and support and I’ll see you next round, thank you very much.”
There were cheers, but also some boos as tennis stars usually hang around to discuss their match in-depth, yet the Serbian would explain his protest later on.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Djokovic revealed his actions came as a result of remarks made by Australian presenter Tony Jones last week.
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He stated: "I would like to just clarify the reason why the interview was not conducted on the court.
"A couple of days ago, the famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster Channel Nine here in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me.
"And since then, he chose not to issue any public apology. Neither did Channel Nine. So since they’re official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel Nine.
"I have nothing against Jim Courier or neither the Australian public. It was a very awkward situation for me to face on the court today.”
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The moment Djokovic was discussing hadn’t quite gone viral, but it likely will now as presenter Jones made some bizarre and harsh remarks about the 37-year-old.
Speaking in front of a crowd of fans with Serbian flags, he turned to them and said: “Novak he’s overrated.
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“Novak, he’s a has-been, Novak, kick him out. Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me.”
It was perhaps just a joke from Jones, but it wasn’t exactly an amusing one, with most failing to see the funny side.
One of those was Australian star Nick Kyrgios, who reposted the video on Instagram with the words: “Coming from this clown – couldn't run around a park this bloke.”
Another Aussie tennis star, 1982 Australian Open semi-finalist Paul McNamee, also had his say.
“Tony I'm surprised, especially as you work for the host broadcaster, that you would send up a bunch of Aussies [with European heritage] having a good time celebrating their Ten-time AO champion… trying to be funny mate,” he wrote on social media in response.
Now, on Monday, broadcaster Jones has issued an apology to Djokovic for the comments he made live on air.
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He said on Australia's Channel Nine: "I'm disappointed it comes to this because the comments were made on the news on Friday night which I considered to be banter and humour - which is consistent with what I do.
"However, I was made aware on Saturday morning from Tennis Australia, via the Djokovic camp, that the Djokovic camp was not happy at all with those comments.
"I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them – 48 hours ago – for any disrespect which Novak felt I had caused.
"As I stand here now I stand by that apology to Novak if he feels any disrespect, which he clearly does.
"The disrespect extends to the Serbian fans – over the years here there has been colour with them and passion and banter, and I thought that was an extension of that banter. Quite clearly that hasn't been interpreted that way.
"I do feel I've let down the Serbian fans. I'm not just saying that to wriggle out of trouble. I genuinely feel for those fans."
Novak Djokovic breaks Roger Federer's Grand Slam record making him the greatest claims Sue Barker
Djokovic already has a difficult relationship with Australia after being deported in 2022 for failing to comply with their Covid-19 regulations.
Yet the majority were still on the side of who many consider the greatest of all time - at least when it comes to statistics.
Currently ranked seventh in the world, Djokovic will be looking to add to his 24 majors, but standing in his way is a man who’s helped nudge him towards retirement.
World No. 3 Alcaraz passed Britain’s Jack Draper in a walkover to set up the mouthwatering clash, which will be the eighth meeting between himself and Djokovic.
The elder competitor boasts a 4-3 record from their seven meetings so far, but Alcaraz saves his best for the big time, beating Djokovic in the past two Wimbledon finals.
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Yet their last clash in last summer’s Paris Olympics saw Djokovic take gold over his Spanish rival in incredibly emotional scenes that revitalised his late career charge towards more honours.
The pair will meet again on Tuesday for a place in the last four.
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