Novak Djokovic won't speak to the Australian Open's local TV network without an apology
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Djokovic eased into the quarter-finals after a straight-sets win over Jiri Lehecka but the Serbian then refused to take part in the traditional on-court interview. Novak Djokovic insists he boycotted a post-match interview at the Australian Open after claiming a journalist for an official broadcaster made “offensive” remarks towards him.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion, who maintains he is happy to receive a fine over his stance, also claimed Channel 9 broadcaster Tony Jones made a “mockery” of Serbian fans at Melbourne Park. A video on social media shows Jones presenting for Channel 9 in front of Djokovic fans before remarking: "Novak, he's overrated, Novak's a has-been, Novak kick him out.”.
![[Serbia's Novak Djokovic signs a fan's t-shirt depicting him behind bars]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/19/12/24/SEI236533745.jpg)
And after dispatching Jiri Lehecka 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-4) in the fourth round, Djokovic was greeted by four-time Grand Slam champion Jim Courier to obtain his thoughts on the match and a quarter-final against Carlos Alcaraz, who he met in the final of the Wimbledon and the Paris Olympics last year.
But Djokovic opted against a conversation and instead made a simple statement before being booed by some fans: “Thank you for being here tonight, I appreciate your presence and support and I'll see you in the next round.”. And now the 37-year-old, who did stop to sign autographs for supporters in Rod Laver Arena before exiting, has elaborated on his reasons: “I would like to just clarify the reason why the interview was not conducted on the court, the post-match interview, like it's a common, usual practice.
