Novak Djokovic refused an on-court interview with Channel Nine after his win at the Australian Open on Sunday night because he was aggrieved by comments made by the host broadcasterโs sports anchor Tony Jones he deemed to be โinsulting and offensiveโ.
The 10-times Australian Open champion chose not to speak on court to Jim Courier after booking his spot in the quarter-finals.
Tony Jones and Novak Djokovic.Credit: The Age
โA couple of days ago a famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster Channel Nine here in Australia made a mockery of Serbian fans, and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me,โ Djokovic said.
โSince then he chose not to issue an official public apology. Neither did Channel Nine.โ
Djokovicโs action stemmed from footage of presenter Jones doing a cross from Melbourne Park with flag-waving supporters in the background.
The footage has been circulating widely on social media.
In it, Jones references the Serbians fans, but also makes several references about Djokovic, including โNovak, kick him outโ โ in reference to the former world No.1โs deportation from Australia three years ago.
โThe Novak Djokovic fans there in full voice,โ Jones says in the video.