Novak Djokovic advanced to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open on Sunday with a victory over Jiří Lehecka in the tournament’s fourth round.
But Djokovic’s dominance was overshadowed by what happened when he left the court. Djokovic refused to speak to Australia’s Channel 9, the official broadcaster of the tournament for the host country, over journalist Tony Jones’ comments about the Serbian star.
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Novak Djokovic celebrates after defeating Jiri Lehecka at the Australian Open in Melbourne on 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: “Famous sports journalist working for the official broadcaster, Channel 9… made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments to me.”
Jones called Djokovic overrated and has been.
He said he will continue to boycott speaking to the network.
“I leave it to Channel 9 to deal with this as they see fit. That’s all,” he said.
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Novak Djokovic signs autographs for fans after defeating Jiri Lehecka at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Djokovic immediately left the court after defeating Lehecka. He was expected to speak to former tennis player Jim Courier on television. He told reporters at his press conference that he was still upset with Jones and Channel 9.
The tennis star said he also spoke to Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley.
“I just wanted to make sure he knows where I stand and the reasons behind it,” he said. “So I said to him, ‘If you guys want to fine me for not giving an interview in court, that’s fine.’ I’m going to accept that because I feel like this is something that needs to be done.
Billionaire X owner Elon Musk weighed in on the situation in a post on social media.
“It’s far better to just talk to the public directly than to go through the negativity filter of legacy media,” Musk wrote.
Novak Djokovic is congratulated by Jiri Lehecka after their fourth round match at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
Djokovic replied: “True.”
