Novak Djokovic advanced to the Australian Open quarterfinals on Sunday with a straight-sets win over Jiří Rehechka in the fourth round of the tournament.
But Djokovic's dominance was overshadowed by what happened when he left the court. Djokovic refused to speak to Australia's Channel 9, the official broadcaster of the host tournament, over comments made by journalist Tony Jones about the Serbian star.
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Novak Djokovic celebrates after defeating Jiri Rehekka at the Australian Open on Sunday, January 19, 2025 in Melbourne. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Without mentioning Jones by name, Djokovic said he wanted an apology from the organization and Jones. “A well-known sports journalist working for state broadcaster Channel 9 mocked Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me,” he said.
Jones called Djokovic an overrated player from the past.
He said he would continue to boycott speaking to the network.
“I'll leave it to Channel 9 to handle this as they see fit and that's it,” he said.
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Novak Djokovic signs autographs for fans after defeating Jiri Rehekka at the Australian Open on Sunday, January 19, 2025 in Melbourne. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Djokovic left the court immediately after defeating Rehechka. He was scheduled to speak on TV with former tennis player Jim Courier. He told reporters he remains angry at Jones and Channel 9.
The tennis star said he also spoke to Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley.
“I just wanted him to understand where I stand and the reasons behind it,” he said. “So I said to him, 'If you want to fine me for not giving an interview on the court, that's fine.' I think this is the right thing to do, so I'll accept that.”
Billionaire X owner Elon Musk addressed the situation in a social media post.
“It's much better to interact directly with the public than to pass through the negative filters of traditional media,” Musk wrote.
Novak Djokovic receives congratulations from Jiri Rehekka after the fourth round of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Sunday, January 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
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Djokovic replied: “That's right.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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