Novak Djokovic advanced to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Sunday with a straight-sets victory over Jiří Lehecka in the fourth round of the tournament.
But Djokovic’s dominance was overshadowed by what happened when he left the court. Djokovic refused to speak to Australia’s Channel 9, the tournament’s official channel in the host country, following remarks by journalist Tony Jones about the Serbian star.
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Novak Djokovic celebrates after beating Jiri Lehecka at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Sunday January 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Djokovic said he wanted an apology from the station and Jones without mentioning Jones by name. He said: “A famous sports journalist who works for the official Channel 9… made fun of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me.”
Jones called Djokovic overrated and a has-been.
He said he would continue to boycott communications with the network.
“I’ll leave it to Channel 9 to handle this as they see fit. That’s all,” he said.
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Novak Djokovic signs autographs with fans after beating Jiri Lehecka at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Sunday, January 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Djokovic immediately left the court after beating Lehecka. He was scheduled to speak on television with former tennis player Jim Courier. He told reporters during his news conference that he was still angry with Jones and Channel 9.
The tennis star said he had also spoken to Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley.
“I just wanted to make sure he knew where I stood and the reasons behind it,” he said. “So I told him: ‘If you want to fine me for not giving an interview on the pitch, that’s OK.’ I’m going to accept it because I feel like it’s something that needs to be done. That’s all there is to it. »
The owner of Billionaire X, Elon Musk, addressed the situation in a social media post.
“It is much better to speak directly to the public than to go through the negative filter of traditional media,” Musk wrote.
Novak Djokovic is congratulated by Jiri Lehecka after his fourth round match at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Sunday January 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
Djokovic replied: “Indeed.”
