Author: Richard Pagliaro @Nowtennis | Sunday, January 19, 2025
Photo credit: Andy Cheung/Getty
Talk is cheap, but major mockery cost Channel 9 the chance to be interviewed on the pitch Novak Djokovic.
Ten-time Australian Open champion Djokovic refused to accept Hall of Famer Jim Courier after defeating him in the fourth round of the Australian Open 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) routine on-site interviews Jiri Lehka.
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“Thank you for being here tonight. Thank you for being here and for your support. See you next time,” Djokovic told fans at Rod Laver Arena before handing the microphone back to Currier before leaving. Signed in front of the pitch.
The 37-year-old Serbian superstar told his post-match press conference that he canceled his on-field interview in protest Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones mocking Serbian fans and insulting Djokovic himself as a “failure” and “overrated”.
Jones’ remarks were carried by broadcaster Channel 9, while Serbian fans celebrated Djokovic’s victory by chanting “Noel! Noel!” while waving Serbian flag. Jones, visibly annoyed by the chants from the Serbian fans, taunted the crowd with a song: “Novak, he’s overrated…Novak, he’s past his time.”
If Tony Jones said something like that to any other player or any other fan, we all know he would be forced to apologize and be appropriately punished by Channel 9, the host AO media provider.Integrity, respect and fairness are important and I hope you can see that @CraigTiley pic.twitter.com/AgORvhN088
— Pavy G (@pavyg) January 19, 2025
Djokovic, angered by Jones’ comments and the lack of apology from the host or Channel Nine, said he boycotted the interview, would accept any imminent fine and had no intention of changing his position.
“A few days ago, a well-known sports journalist working for Australia’s official broadcaster Channel 9 mocked Serbian fans and made insulting and offensive remarks towards me,” Djokovic told the media in Melbourne. “Since then, a well-known sports journalist working for Australia’s official broadcaster Channel 9 mocked Serbian fans. In the future, he chose not to publicly apologize. Neither did Channel 9. So since they are the official broadcaster, I chose not to be interviewed by Channel 9.
“I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public. It was a very embarrassing situation for me on the pitch today. It was unfortunate that I chose to say something to the crowd that clearly wasn’t time, space or situation.
“I leave it to Channel Nine to deal with the matter as they see fit. That’s all.”
When someone told us to wait two days @carlosalcaraz and @DjokerNole.#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/O3vLhMAZMX
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 19, 2025
The former world number one said he had spoken to him AO Tournament Director Craig Tiley and told Terry he would pay any fines levied as a result of the boycott.
However, Djokovic said he would maintain his stance and the ball is now in Channel Nine’s court to resolve the impasse.
“I just wanted to make sure, because I have a really good relationship with Craig and I think he’s a phenomenal guy who always tries to help players and understand what a player needs or wants, so I just want to make sure he knows where I stand. and the reasons behind it,” Djokovic said. “So I told him, you know, if you guys want to fine me for not doing the on-field interview, that’s okay, I’ll take it because I feel like that’s what needs to be done.
“That’s all.”
ESPN analyst Darren Cahill, He, who is also Yannik Sinner’s coach, said Djokovic had every right to be angry.
“I’m sure Tony was trying to be funny,” Cahill said on ESPN. “But it was inappropriate. I don’t blame Novak for being angry about it.”
Djokovic reached the AO quarter-finals for the 15th time, tying Roger Federer’s record, and will face defending French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz in the Olympic gold medal match for a semi-final spot.
