Novak Djokovic comfortable in conflict as he makes headlines in Australia again | Jack Snape
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With his Australian Open interview boycott, the Serb continues to spur opinion and discussion – and will likely triumph again, off court if not on. The accompaniments of the Australian summer are varied but vivid. Barbecues and beaches, fireworks and firefighting. The song of cicadas, the sweetness of cherries, and the sound of Novak Djokovic, back in the headlines.
![[Djokovic hands the microphone back to Jim Courier after his match against Jiri Lehecka.]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/6371885280a167ac69c48c9b9952df428344b50d/0_0_6670_4447/master/6670.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
He is there again after refusing to provide an on-court interview until Channel Nine’s Tony Jones apologised, which the broadcaster did on Monday morning. Djokovic said Jones had “mocked” Serbian fans in a TV cross on Friday, and made “insulting and offensive comments”.
Tennis’ great conductor of controversy – who also happens to be the sport’s finest proponent – has been forged over many years. Before the Serb won his first grand slam at Melbourne Park 18 years ago, he was known best for his impersonations of his peers on the tour.
But they weren’t universally appreciated. Djokovic said on the way to his first grand slam title at Melbourne Park in 2008 that he would stop the act due to people taking offence (he has performed them from time-to-time since). At the same tournament, the then-20-year-old gave an insight into the man he was becoming. “You need to be a little probably arrogant on the court to have this self-confidence, so you can get the positive outcome,” he said.
On the court, that has proven true. Twenty-four grand slams cannot be ignored, but he has not always won with the grace of his peers. He was disqualified for striking a woman in the throat at the US Open in 2020 with a ball hit in frustration. He will argue with umpires, throw tantrums towards his team. He even found himself in an argument with the robotic line judge last week at Melbourne Park.
