Novak Djokovic refuses post-match interviews after "offensive" comments
Novak Djokovic stunned Australian Open viewers when he refused to conduct a post-match interview with Channel Nine - the official broadcaster for the tournament - on Sunday night.
The Serbian superstar explained that the "offensive comments" made by Nine's sports presenter, Tony Jones, was the reason for his boycott.
“I’d like to just clarify the reason why it was not conducted on the court,” Djokovic said.
“A couple of days ago the famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster 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 Nine.
“Since they’re official broadcasters I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9. I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public. It’s unfortunate.
“I chose to say something to the crowd but obviously wasn’t the time and situation to explain what I’m doing right now.
“I leave it to Nine to handle this the way they see fit.”
He also released a self-recorded video message to his fans apologising for not speaking to them on the court.
“It was of course not a great feeling for me and it was quite awkward on the court.
“Jim Courier was the one that came out. I have tremendous respect for him and I always love speaking to Jim and I know that a lot of people wanted to hear me speak so I apologise for everyone being in the stadium and not being able to hear me speak. And on the TV as well.”
Djokovic also confirmed that he had spoken with Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley after the match and said he was prepared to be fined by the tournament for refusing to deal with the official broadcast partner.
“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,” the 10-time Aussie Open champion said.
“So I told him, you know, If you guys want to fine me for not giving an on-court interview, that’s OK, I’ll accept that because I feel like this is something that needs to be done.
“That’s all there is to it.”
While Tony Jones is yet to speak through the Nine Network, he has reportedly made an apology through Serbian outlet Sport Klub.
“Unfortunately, my ‘humour’ the other night was misinterpreted as an attack on Novak, he said.
“That was certainly not the case. I’ve been joking with Serbian fans throughout the tournament and this is – at least I thought so – a continuation of that.
“If you watch our morning show, you’ll get an idea of how we work. At no point did I mean to show any disrespect to Novak and I apologise – there was certainly no intention to offend him.”
Jones made the comments while reading the sports news for Nine’s evening news bulletin live from Melbourne Park on Friday night, when a group of Djokovic's fans began cheering in the background.
“Welcome back to Melbourne Park, where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans, they’re in full voice,” Jones said.
“The chants are quite extraordinary,” he added, before saying: “Novak, he’s overrated."
“Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out.
“Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me. Anyway, let’s get onto the tennis.”
As he finished his bulletin, Jones said: “Alright that wraps it up from Melbourne Park. Somehow I’m going to have to get out of here.
“No we’re fine, we had selfies. I told them I was Clint Stanaway.”
Image: Fox Sports