Australian Open – No on-court interview and a rant: Novak Djokovic wants an apology

Jim Courier was the first to be surprised. Present on the court to carry out the traditional post-match interview with Novak Djokovic, the former double winner of the Australian Open (1992, 1993) remained all alone, the Serbian having decided to leave the court without responding to his questions. The Djoker just took the microphone, thanked the audience laconically and agreed to see you in the next round.

“It’s very simple, Novak had watched my interviews over the last few days, he said to himself that he didn’t want to answer my questions and that he was going to talk to a real professional so he went straight to see Babsi“, joked Courier. Babsi is Barbara Schett, a consultant like him on Eurosport. She was indeed able to question Novak Djokovic just as he left the court in the corridor, but without asking him any questions about his relationship with the public or his decision not to submit to the interview with Jim Courier He obviously did not want to raise the subject hotly.

“I didn’t feel any particular tension, and I didn’t know it was going to happen like that, but I remind you that there is no obligation for the players to do the interview on the court“, added Jim Courier, becoming serious again. Unlike press conferences which are obligatory, the post-match interview on the field is a tradition, but has no contractual character. “It’s just an opportunity for them to speak to the crowd in the stadium and of course to the fans around the world, but nothing obliges them to do so. Players can skip this, if they are injured or tired.” Or annoyed for one reason or another.

At a press conference, Novak Djokovic explained the why and how. Before even answering any questions, he started there. “I would just like to clarify the reasons which led me not to give an interview on courthe said. A few days ago, a famous sports journalist from Channel 9 (Toby Jones, although Djokovic did not mention his name, Editor’s note) made fun of Serbian fans and made insulting comments about me“.

Since Friday evening, this video showing Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones making fun of Novak Djokovic supporters has been circulating on social networks. “We’re back at Melbourne Park, where you can see Novak Djokovic fans singing their hearts out“, says the journalist. “The chants are quite extraordinary: ‘Novak is overrated’, ‘Novak is in the past’, ‘Novak expel him’“, continues Tony Jones, three years after the Serbian was kicked out of Australia for his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19. “I’m glad they can’t hear me“, he adds.

“Since Channel 9 is the official broadcaster of the Australian Openadded for his part ‘Nole’, I have decided not to give any more interviews to Channel 9“. He will also refrain from doing post-match interviews until the channel and the journalist apologize. He also had a lively discussion with Craig Tiley, the boss of the Open Australia, before going to his press conference.

“I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public, wanted to specify the ten-time winner of the tournament. It was a very delicate situation for me on the pitch today after the match. It’s a shame I chose to say something for the crowd, but obviously this wasn’t the time for me to explain the reasons for my decision, which I’m doing now.” “I’m letting Channel 9 handle the situation”, concluded Djokovic, who will face Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.