- Novak Djokovic refused to perform an on-court interview on Sunday night
- It came after a Channel 9 journalist had mocked the Serbian star this week
- Tony Jones had claimed that the world No 7 was a ‘has-been’ while on television
Novak Djokovic has launched a boycott of on-court interviews at the Australian Open until he receives an apology from host broadcaster Channel 9 over a segment which he says: ‘Made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me’.
On Saturday, Channel 9 host Tony Jones was broadcasting in front of a group of Djokovic supporters at Melbourne Park.
‘Welcome back to Melbourne Park, where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans, they’re in full voice,’ Jones said. ‘The chants are quite extraordinary.’
He then turned round to face them and pantomimed some sledging chants of his own: ‘Novak, he’s overrated,’ Jones sang. ‘Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out.
‘Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me. Anyway, let’s get on to the tennis.’
After Djokovic’s straight-sets win over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday night he was approached by Jim Courier for the traditional on court interview. The 10-time champion took the microphone and said: ‘Thank you very much for being here tonight, I appreciate your presence and the support. I’ll see you in the next round,’ before marching off to sign autographs for the fans.
Djokovic was then seen deep in conversation with Australian Open chief Craig Tiley and he began his post-match press conference with a prepared statement: ‘Good evening. I would like to just clarify the reason why the interview was not conducted on the court, the post-match interview, like it’s a common, usual practice.
‘A couple of days ago the famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster, Channel 9 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 9. So since they’re official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9.
‘I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public. It was a very awkward situation for me to face on the court today. It’s unfortunate. I chose to say something to the crowd, but obviously it wasn’t the time and space or situation for me to explain what I’m doing right now.
‘I leave it to Channel 9 to handle this the way they think they see fit. That’s all.’
Asked whether this stance would continue until he receives an apology, Djokovic replied: ‘Yes, exactly.’
