MELBOURNE, Australia — Novak Djokovic has stirred controversy at the Australian Open after opting not to conduct a traditional post-match interview following accusations from broadcaster Channel 9. The 24-time Grand Slam champion voiced his dissatisfaction with comments made by sports journalist Tony Jones, who referred to Djokovic as “overrated” and seemingly invoked his controversial deportation from Australia in 2022 due to his unvaccinated status regarding COVID-19.
In his post-match announcement to the audience after his victory over Jiri Lehecka, Djokovic expressed his discontent directly, stating he would not speak to Channel 9 until he received an apology. “A famous sports journalist… made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments toward me,” Djokovic remarked, calling for respect from the network.
On Monday, Channel 9 issued a formal apology, emphasizing that there was no intent to offend Djokovic or his supporters. The network’s statement expressed hope for showcasing Djokovic’s continued performance during the tournament. Jones himself appeared later to clarify his remarks, asserting they were meant to be humorous. However, he acknowledged that the comments were poorly received and extended a sincere apology to Djokovic and the fans he may have offended.
Serbia’s Ambassador to Australia, Rade Stefanovic, criticized Jones’s comments as unprofessional, particularly noting that references to Djokovic’s deportation are still sensitive for many Serbian individuals in Australia and abroad.
After addressing the crowd, Djokovic later communicated with Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley about his stance, indicating he was prepared to accept any penalties for skipping the interview as a stance against the remarks made. Through social media, he reinforced his perspective, even garnering a response from Elon Musk, who endorsed Djokovic’s preference for direct communication over traditional media channels.
Looking ahead, Djokovic is set to face No. 3 seed Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals, continuing his pursuit of another title at the Australian Open. This incident highlights the tension that can arise between athletes and media professionals and sometimes the misunderstandings or mishaps that can occur during live broadcasts.
In essence, this situation serves as a reminder of the importance of sensitivity and understanding in sports media, particularly in relation to athletes’ backgrounds and the contexts surrounding their careers. Despite the controversy, Djokovic’s focus remains firmly on the tournament, showcasing his resilience and determination as he advances in the competition.