Novak Djokovic reveals why he awkwardly snubbed on-court interview with Jim Courier
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Novak Djokovic says he will continue to decline on-court interviews at the Australian Open until he receives an apology for ‘insulting’ remarks directed at him by an anchor on the tournament’s host broadcaster Channel Nine. The 24-time Grand Slam champion saw off Jiri Lehecka in a convincing 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-4) victory to set up a quarter-final clash with Carlos Alcaraz in Melbourne.
The 37-year-old is targeting a record 11th title Down Under and looked delighted to advance through to the last eight with relative ease against the Czech 24th-seed. But shortly after his win, Djokovic rejected the opportunity to speak to the crowd, with the veteran Serbian swiftly handing the microphone back to a bemused Jim Courier before making his way off the court.
![[2025 Australian Open - Day 8]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2194106098.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘It’s a very simple thing… he’s been watching my interviews here over the last couple of days and he’s like, “Look, I’ve got to get to the pro, I’m skipping you and going straight to Babsi [Barbara Schett]”,’ Courier joked on Eurosport when quizzed on the awkward exchange.
![[2025 Australian Open - Day 8]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2194691517.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘He knows he needs to go where the good stuff is going to be! Maybe we’ll learn more about it in the press conference but he just didn’t feel like having a chat with us. ‘I had no idea that was going to happen but there’s no obligation for these players to do that. It’s an opportunity for them to talk to the people in the stadium and, of course, the fans around the world.
![[2025 Australian Open - Day 8]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2194108286.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
