Djokovic Boycotts Interview Over Broadcaster’s ‘Insulting’ Comments

MELBOURNE, Australia — Tennis star Novak Djokovic refused to conduct a customary post-match interview at the Australian Open on Sunday night, protesting what he called “insulting and offensive” comments made by a broadcaster during the tournament. The 24-time Grand Slam champion demanded an apology from Channel 9 and its journalist Tony Jones, who had criticized Djokovic and his Serbian fans during a live broadcast.

Djokovic, 37, did not name Jones directly but referenced a “famous sports journalist” who “made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments toward me.” The Serbian player vowed to continue avoiding interviews with the network until the issue is resolved. “I leave it to Channel 9 to handle this the way they think they see fit,” Djokovic said.

After defeating Jiri Lehecka in three sets at Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic skipped the usual on-court interview with former player Jim Courier. Instead, he addressed the crowd directly, thanking them for their support. Later, at a news conference, Djokovic clarified that his protest was aimed at Jones and Channel 9, not Courier or the fans. He also revealed that he had discussed the matter with Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley, stating, “If you guys want to fine me for not giving an on-court interview, that’s OK.”

Jones, who made the controversial remarks during a Friday night broadcast, apologized on Monday, acknowledging that his comments had caused offense. “I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them – 48 hours ago – for any disrespect which Novak felt I had caused,” Jones said. He admitted that his “kick him out” remark, which some interpreted as a reference to Djokovic’s 2022 deportation from Australia over COVID-19 regulations, had particularly angered the tennis star.

Channel 9 also issued a public apology, stating that “no harm was intended towards Novak or his fans.” However, the Serbian Council of Australia called for Jones to be fired, describing his comments as “offensive, racist, and only serve to incite further discrimination of Australian-Serbs.”

Djokovic, a 10-time Australian Open champion, is set to face third-seeded Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. The match will mark the latest chapter in their intergenerational rivalry, with Djokovic holding a 4-3 overall record against the 21-year-old Spaniard but trailing 2-1 in Grand Slam meetings.

As the controversy unfolds, Djokovic remains focused on his next match. Tennis Australia confirmed that Djokovic has accepted the public apology and is now concentrating on his upcoming clash with Alcaraz.