Written by Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Sunday, January 19, 2025
Photo credit: Andy Cheung/Getty
Talk is cheap, but the big joke called Channel 9’s courtroom interview with him Novak Djokovic.
Ten-time Australian Open champion Djokovic declined an on-court interview with Hall of Famer Jim Courier after his 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) AO fourth-round victory. Jiri Lehecka.
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“Thank you for being here tonight. Thank you for being there and for the support. See you in the next round,” Djokovic told fans at Rod Laver Arena before handing the microphone back to Courier and going to sign autographs before leaving the court.
In his post-match statement afterwards, the 37-year-old Serbian player said he ignored the on-court interview arguing that Channel 9 hosts Tony Jones mocking the Serbian fans and insulting Djokovic himself as a “failure” and “excessive.”
Jones’ comments were revealed by the Channel 9 host as Serbian fans celebrated Djokovic’s victory with chants of “Nole! Nole!” while waving Serbian flags. Jones, apparently annoyed by the chanting Serbian fans, taunted the crowd with a chant that mimicked the Serbian fans but said “Novak, you’re over it….Novak, you’re the one who’s been there.”
Angered by Jones’ comments—and the lack of apology from the hosts or Channel 9—Djokovic said he boycotted the interview, would accept any penalty that would come and had no intention of changing his position.
“A few days ago, a famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster, Channel 9 here in Australia, made fun of the Serbian fans and said insulting words about me,” said Djokovic to the media in Melbourne. “And since then, he chose not to apologize to the public. Likewise to Channel 9. So since they are official broadcasters, I chose not to discuss them on Channel 9.
“I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public. It was an unfortunate situation for me to face the court today. It’s unfortunate that I chose to say something to the crowd, but it was obviously not the time, place or situation. to explain what I’m doing right now.
“I leave it to Channel 9 to handle this as they see fit. That’s all.”
If someone tells us that we have to wait two days @carlosalcaraz vs @DjokerNole.#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/O3vLhMAZMX
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 19, 2025
Former land no. 1 said he had talked to him AO Tournament Director Craig Tiley and told Tiley that he would pay any penalty for his boycott.
However, Djokovic said he will maintain his position and the ball is now in Channel 9’s court to resolve the disagreement.
“I wanted to make sure that, since I have a good relationship with Craig, I think he’s an amazing person who always tries to help the players and understand the needs of the players or their demands, so I wanted to make sure that he knew where I was. standing and the reasons behind that,” said Djokovic. “So I told him, you know, if you want to fine me for not giving an interview in court, that’s fine, I’ll accept that because I feel like this is the right thing to do.
“That’s all there is.”
ESPN analyst Darren Cahill, who is there again This is Jannik Sinner’s place coach, said Djokovic has every right to be angry.
“I’m sure Tony was trying to be funny,” Cahill told ESPN. “But it shouldn’t have been. And I don’t blame Novak for upsetting that.”
Djokovic, who equaled Roger Federer’s record 15th AO quarterfinal, will face reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon winner Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals in an Olympic gold medal rematch.
