By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Sunday, January 19, 2025
Photo credit: Andy Cheung/Getty
Talk is cheap, but major mockery cost Channel 9 an on-court interview with Novak Djokovic.
Ten-time Australian Open champion Djokovic declined the customary on-court interview with Hall of Famer Jim Courier after his 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) AO fourth-round win over Jiri Lehecka.
More: Sinner and Cahill to Part After 2025
"Thank you for being here tonight. Thank you for the presence and support. See you in the next round," Djokovic told Rod Laver Arena fans before handing the microphone back to Courier and walking away to sign some autographs before departing the court.
In his post-match presser afterward, the 37-year-old Serbian superstar said he blew off the on-court interview in protest of Channel 9 host Tony Jones mocking Serbian fans and insulting Djokovic himself as a "failure" and "overrated."
Jones' comments were televised by host broadcaster Channel 9 while Serbian fans celebrated a Djokovic victory chanting "Nole! Nole!" while waving Serbian flags. Jones, apparently annoyed by the chanting Serbian fans, mocked the crowd in a sing-song voice mimicking Serbian fans but saying "Novak, he's overrated....Novak, he's a has-been."
Annoyed by Jones' remarks—and the lack of an apology from the host or Channel 9—Djokovic said he boycotted the interview, will accept any fine forthcoming and has no plans to change his position.
"Couple 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," Djokovic told the media in Melbourne. "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 neither 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 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."
The former world No. 1 said he's already talked to AO Tournament Director Craig Tiley and told Tiley he will pay any fine levied for his boycott.
However, Djokovic said he will maintain his stance and the ball is now in Channel 9's court to resolve the standoff.
"I just wanted to make sure, as I have really nice relationship with Craig, I think he's a phenomenal guy that always tries to help players and understand the players' needs or demands, so I just wanted to make sure that he knows where I stand and the reasons behind it," Djokovic said. "So I told him, you know, If you guys want to fine me for not giving an on-court interview, that's okay, I'll accept that 'cause I feel like this is something that needs to 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 take offense and respond.
"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 that."
Djokovic, who equalled Roger Federer's record by reaching his 15th AO quarterfinal, will take on reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon winner Carlos Alcaraz for a semifinal spot in a rematch of the Olympic gold-medal match.
Expect Serbian fans to be out in full force, but how will Aussie fans respond? And will Channel 9 or Tony Jones apologize or at least issue comment on Djokovic's statements?
Stay tuned and buckle up as week two promises drama on and off court.