Novak Djokovic learns his fate from Australian Open bosses after breaking the rules by boycotting interview over Tony Jones scandal

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Novak Djokovic learns his fate from Australian Open bosses after breaking the rules by boycotting interview over Tony Jones scandal
Published: Jan, 21 2025 01:28

Tennis Australia has decided not to fine Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic for skipping media commitments to protest against comments made by Channel Nine star Tony Jones last week. Djokovic declined a post-match interview after his fourth-round win, explaining in his press conference and on social media that he decided on the boycott due to being mocked by Jones.

 [Jones has made a public apology and has been retained by the host broadcaster for the rest of the Australian Open]
Image Credit: Mail Online [Jones has made a public apology and has been retained by the host broadcaster for the rest of the Australian Open]

'A couple of 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,' the 24-time grand slam winner later clarified.

 [Jones was lambasted for mocking Serbian supporters and making disparaging comments about their hero Novak Djokovic]
Image Credit: Mail Online [Jones was lambasted for mocking Serbian supporters and making disparaging comments about their hero Novak Djokovic]

'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.'. The comments came on Friday when Jones was broadcasting in front of an assembled crowd of Serbian Djokovic fans chanting and singing to honour their hero.

 [Russian star Daniil Medvedev was fined heavily for smashing his racquet, attacking a camera and advertising signage and skipping a media interview]
Image Credit: Mail Online [Russian star Daniil Medvedev was fined heavily for smashing his racquet, attacking a camera and advertising signage and skipping a media interview]

'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.'. Novak Djokovic will escape sanction for skipping his media commitments in protest of Channel Nine reporter Tony Jones' comments.

 [Naomi Osaka was also fined for missing a media commitment at the French Open, despite citing mental health issues]
Image Credit: Mail Online [Naomi Osaka was also fined for missing a media commitment at the French Open, despite citing mental health issues]

Jones has made a public apology and has been retained by the host broadcaster for the rest of the Australian Open. Jones was lambasted for mocking Serbian supporters and making disparaging comments about their hero Novak Djokovic. He then turned round to face the Serbian supporters and mocked their chanting: 'Novak, he's overrated,' Jones sang. 'Novak's a has-been. Novak, kick him out.

 [Djokovic holds the record for the biggest fine ever at a grand slam event after hitting a ball in frustration and injuring a line judge at the US Open]
Image Credit: Mail Online [Djokovic holds the record for the biggest fine ever at a grand slam event after hitting a ball in frustration and injuring a line judge at the US Open]

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