By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Sunday, January 19, 2025
Picture credit score: Andy Cheung/Getty
Speak is reasonable, however main mockery price 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 informed Rod Laver Enviornment followers earlier than handing the microphone again to Courier and strolling away to signal some autographs earlier than departing the courtroom.
In his post-match presser afterward, the 37-year-old Serbian celebrity stated 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 wish 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 had 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 stated he boycotted the interview, will settle for any high-quality 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 in addition made insulting and offensive feedback in direction of me,” Djokovic informed the media in Melbourne. “And since then, he selected to not situation 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 courtroom at this time. It is unlucky I selected to say one thing to the group, however clearly wasn’t the time and house 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 stated he is already talked to AO Match Director Craig Tiley and informed Tiley he pays any high-quality levied for his boycott.
Nevertheless, Djokovic stated he’ll preserve his stance and the ball is now in Channel 9’s courtroom to resolve the standoff.
“I simply needed to verify, as I’ve very nice relationship with Craig, I believe he is an exceptional man that all the time tries to assist gamers and perceive the gamers’ wants or calls for, so I simply needed to make it possible for he is aware of the place I stand and the explanations behind it,” Djokovic stated. “So I informed him, you understand, In the event you guys wish to high-quality me for not giving an on-court interview, that is okay, I am going to settle for that ‘trigger I really feel like that is one thing that must be carried out.
“That is all there may be to it.”
Just a few phrases about what occurred on courtroom. pic.twitter.com/jRof2npiwH
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 19, 2025
ESPN analyst Darren Cahill, who can be Jannik Sinner’s coach, stated Djokovic had each proper to take offense and reply.
“I am positive Tony was attempting to be humorous,” Cahill stated on ESPN. “But it surely was inappropriate.
“And I do not blame Novak for taking offense to that.”
Djokovic, who equalled Roger Federer’s document 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.
Count on Serbian followers to be out in full drive, however how will Aussie followers reply? And can Channel 9 or Tony Jones apologize or not less than situation touch upon Djokovic’s statements?
Keep tuned and buckle up as week two guarantees drama on and off courtroom.
