Novak Djokovic Slams Australian Open Broadcaster For “Insulting Comments”, Skips Interview

10-time champion Novak Djokovic has damaged his silence after refusing to present customary on-court interview after his Round of 16 win on Sunday. Djokovic crushed Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka in straight units (6-3, 6-4, 7-6)to arrange a blockbuster quarterfinal tie with third seed Carlos Alcaraz. Taking to social media, Djokovic cleared the air on his refusal to present a post-match interview, accusing a ‘well-known sports activities journalist’ of insulting him and Serbian followers throughout a stay broadcast on Channel 9, the official broadcaster’s of the Australian Open.

Djokovic stated that he’ll proceed to keep away from talking with Channel 9 till the journalist and the channel challenge an apology to him and the Serbian followers.

“A journalist who works for Channel 9 in Australia made a mockery of Serbian fans and made insulting and offensive comments towards me. Since then he chose not to issue any public apology. Neither did Channel 9. So since they are official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9,” stated Djokovic, who’s bidding for an eleventh Australian Open crown, in a video message on X.

A couple of phrases about what occurred on courtroom. pic.twitter.com/jRof2npiwH

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 19, 2025

Djokovic additionally apologised to American tennis legend Jim Courier, who was alleged to interview him on behalf of Channel 9, labelling the scenario as “awkward”.

“I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public. It was a very awkward situation for me to face on the court today. It is unfortunate I chose to say something to the crowd, but obviously there wasn’t the time and space or situation for me to explain what I’m doing right now. I leave it to Channel 9 to handle this the way they think they see fit. That’s all,” he added.

Djokovic, who’s bidding for his record-extending twenty fifth main, took two-hour and 39-minute to seal the victory over the Czech participant on the Rod Laver Arena. With this win, the Serbian nice has equalled Swiss legend Roger Federer’s file of reaching 15 males’s singles quarterfinals on the hard-court main.

The Serb is bidding to turn out to be the oldest participant within the Open Era to win a Grand Slam title, a file that presently belongs to Ken Rosewall, who gained the 1972 Australian Open on the age of 37 years and 62 days. At the top of this Melbourne fortnight, Djokovic can be 37 years and 249 days previous.

(With IANS Inputs)