By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Sunday, January 19, 2025
Photo: Andy Cheung/Getty
The talk is free, but the massive mockery cost Channel 9 an interview in court Novak Djokovic.
Ten-time Australian Open champion Djokovic declined the usual courtside interview with Hall of Famer Jim Courier after his 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) AO fourth-round victory over AO. Live in Lehecka.
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“Thank you for being here tonight. Thank you for your presence and support. See you in the next round,” Djokovic told the fans at Rod Laver Arena before handing the microphone back to the Courier and leaving to sign a few autographs before leaving the the court.
In his post-match presser, the 37-year-old Serbian superstar said he blew up the on-field interview in protest at Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones mocking the Serbian fans and insulting Djokovic himself as a “failure” and “overrated”.
Jones’ comments were televised by host broadcaster Channel 9, as Serbian fans celebrated Djokovic’s victory by chanting “Nole! Nole!” waving Serbian flags. Jones, apparently annoyed by the cheering Serbian fans, taunted the crowd in a sing-song voice saying “Novak, he’s overrated…Novak, he has been.”
If Tony Jones said this to any other player or any other fan base, we all know he would be forced to apologize and be properly punished by the host media provider AO Channel 9.Integrity, respect and fairness matter, I hope you see that @CraigTiley pic.twitter.com/AgORvhN088
— Pavvy G (@pavyg) January 19, 2025
Upset by Jones’ comments – and the lack of an apology from the host or Channel 9 – Djokovic said he boycotted the interview, will accept any future fines and has no plans to change his position.
“A few days ago the famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster, Channel 9 here in Australia, made fun of the Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me,” Djokovic told the media in Melbourne. “And since then, he has chosen not to make any public apologies. Neither does Channel 9. So, as they are the official broadcaster, I chose not to give interviews to Channel 9.
“I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public. It was a very difficult situation for me to face on the field today. It’s unfortunate that I chose to say something to the crowd, but obviously it wasn’t the time, space or situation. for me to explain what I’m doing now.
“I leave it to Channel 9 to handle this as they see fit. That’s all.”
When someone tells us we have to wait two days @carlosalcaraz vs. @DjokerNole.#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/O3vLhMAZMX
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 19, 2025
The former world number 1 said he has already spoken AO Tour Director Craig Tiley and told Tiley that he will pay any fines imposed for his boycott.
However, Djokovic said he will stand his ground and the ball is now in Channel 9’s court to resolve the impasse.
“I just wanted to make sure, because I have a very good relationship with Craig, I think he’s a phenomenal guy who always tries to help the players and understand the needs or the requirements of the players, so I just wanted to make sure that he knows where it’s me. the attitude and the reasons behind it,” said Djokovic. “So I said, you know, if you want to fine me for not giving an interview in court, that’s fine, I’ll accept that because I think THIS it is something that must be done.
“That’s all there is to it.”
ESPN analyst Darren Cahill, who is also Jannik Sinner’s coach, said Djokovic had every right to be offended.
“I’m sure Tony was trying to be funny,” Cahill said on ESPN. “But it was inappropriate. And I don’t blame Novak for taking offense to it.”
Djokovic, who equaled Roger Federer’s record by reaching his 15th AO quarter-final, will face Roland Garros and Wimbledon winner Carlos Alcaraz for a semi-final spot in a rematch of the Olympic gold medal match.
