
By Louise Belcourt
It was all smooth sailing on Rod Laver arena after the 24-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic defeated Jiri Lehecka 6-3 6-6 87-6(4) on Monday night.
But just after sealing his win to equal Roger Federer’s record of 15 quarter final appearances at the Australian Open, the mood quickly soured.
As Jim Courier waited courtside to interview the 10-time Australian Open champion, Djokovic grabbed the microphone and said “Thank you very much for being here tonight. I appreciate your presence and the support. I’ll see you next round. Thank you very much.” He then walked off to sign autographs, boycotting the customary on court interview. The crowd stood in shock, then load boos rang around the stadium. As during his match, numerous spectators were unimpressed with the Serb.
Following the match, there was a buzz in the media interview room as journalists awaited Djokovic’s appearance to explain the situation. When he entered the interview room, he issued the following statement:
“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. 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.”
Djokovic confirmed that he won’t do any interviews for the official broadcaster, channel 9, until there is an official apology.
So where did this disdain for the official AO broadcaster come from and was it justified?
Well after his 3rd round victory over Thomas Machac on Friday night, the Serbians were singing and celebrating wildly behind the channel 9 live nightly broadcast of the news. The veteran journalist Tony Jones, then turned around and sang in a chant “Novak, he’s overrated. Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out”. You can view the footage here https://www.theroar.com.au/tennis/video/watch-novak-kick-him-out-tony-jones-tries-to-rile-up-djokovic-supporters-in-bizarre-live-cross-1404970/
I can understand Djokovic’s anger, especially at the “kick him out” comment. Having been locked up in a detention center and deported out of Australia in 2022 for not being vaccinated against covid-19, the experience had thoroughly traumatised the 37-year-old champion. Jones’s insensitive comments likely triggered memories from the time.
On channel 9 news today, Tony Jones has explained why he said those comments about Djokovic, “I considered it to be banter. I considered to be humor, which is consistent with most things I do”. Jones admitted he issued an apology a day after the initial “humor” broadcast, and he stands by that apology. You can see the apology here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EMw2ImCqw8.
Can you imagine the reaction if any journalist had said those comments about Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal near the end of their careers? It would have immediately caused an uproar across the globe.
The Australian Open is known as the Happy Slam, but this is not a happy or laughing matter. We should never have to hear those kinds of comments (even as a joke) about any player of any nationality, let alone the most prolific grand slam champion of all time.
(Louise Belcourt is our Australian correspondent.)
Australian Open · Novak Djokovic
Steve · January 20, 2025 at 9:08 am
Have you heard about this???
In an interview with GQ magazine published on Thursday, Djokovic said he had “some health issues” when he returned to Serbia. “I realised that in that hotel in Melbourne I was fed with some food that poisoned me,” he added.
“I had a really high level of heavy metal. Heavy metal. I had the lead, very high level of lead and mercury.”
The Australian Border Force has not responded to the accusations.
“For privacy reasons, we cannot comment on individual cases,” the Department of Home Affairs told BBC Sport.
Scoop Malinowski · January 20, 2025 at 4:33 pm
Yes I read this, nothing is shocking when dealing with the satanic cabal. they will do anything to destroy the enemy, ask Monica Seles and JFK.
Sam · January 21, 2025 at 3:10 pm
Wow. 😊
Even if Djokovic doesn’t advance any further, I’m definitely satisfied with his great run here. I’d say he ain’t “over” by a long shot. 🥳
Scoop Malinowski · January 21, 2025 at 5:39 pm
Sam, not even close to the finish line. He even said after it might be one of the best matches he ever played. Considering how motivated Carlos is to get his first AO and the career slam two years before everyone else, is astounding.
Sam · January 27, 2025 at 3:34 pm
Well, at least Djokovic had a good run, Scoop.
I don’t know how much longer his body can hold out, though. Do you still think he has a decent shot at Wimbledon?
Sam · January 27, 2025 at 3:34 pm
Oh, and do you think the clostebol darlin’ will get anything more than a slap on the wrist? 🧐
Scoop Malinowski · January 27, 2025 at 3:44 pm
He’s always a top contender favorite Sam and if the stars align, absolutely one or two more despite deep state interference.
Scoop Malinowski · January 27, 2025 at 7:49 pm
Sam I believe justice is coming, 1 yr ban.
Sam · February 6, 2025 at 11:55 am
Yes, Scoop, like you I still think Djokovic could win at least one more Slam. But as you said, he really doesn’t have anything more to prove to anybody.
I hope Sinner does get a major ban. Not that I think he’s the only one doping, but his lies are so flimsy and transparent that it’s just outrageous. 🤮
Scoop Malinowski · February 6, 2025 at 3:23 pm
Sam, a top coach told me sinner will be banned a year, we shall see.
Sam · February 15, 2025 at 10:59 pm
Well, Scoop, he may be a top coach, but he’s not clearly not a top news reporter. 😂
Sam · February 15, 2025 at 11:00 pm
Oops, let’s leave out the first “not” in the sentence above. 😏
Scoop Malinowski · February 16, 2025 at 7:38 am
Sam I still believe 25 for Djokovic is his destiny.