Djokovic Declines Interview After Host's Insulting Comments

Following his victory at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic opted not to conduct the customary television interview, taking a stand against derogatory comments made by Channel 9's Tony Jones. During the broadcast, Jones referred to Djokovic as “overrated” and a “has-been,” which incited the Serbian player's discontent, particularly given his supporters' vocal presence in the audience.

Although Djokovic didn't explicitly name Jones, he mentioned the remarks were made by a well-known sports journalist working for the official broadcaster, Channel 9, and highlighted that these comments mocked his Serbian fans while being deeply offensive towards him. He stated that his intention is to continue avoiding interviews with the network until he receives an apology.

Djokovic's decision to skip the interview was particularly significant following his straight-sets win over Jiri Lehecka, where he was anticipated to speak with former player Jim Courier. Instead, he addressed the crowd directly to express gratitude for their support, emphasizing his appreciation for their presence without engaging with the media.

At the subsequent press conference, Djokovic clarified his reasons for not speaking with Channel 9, specifically pointing out that his frustrations were directed towards Jones and the broadcaster, not Courier or the audience. He confirmed discussions with Craig Tiley, the CEO of Tennis Australia, regarding the situation.

In response to this incident, Tony Jones later stated that his comments were meant to be humorous banter and extended an apology to Djokovic and the Serbian fans who felt insulted. He expressed regret for any offense caused, asserting his genuine feelings towards the situation and affirming that he reached out to Djokovic to clarify his intention.