TENNIS – Novak Djokovic was not really in the mood, despite his victory at the Australian Open. The ten-time winner of the Australian tournament justified his hasty exit from the court this Sunday, January 19 by “insulting comments” from a journalist employed by the official tournament broadcaster.
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After his victory in three sets in the round of 16 in Melbourne against the Czech Jiri Lehecka (29th), the world No.7 quickly left the court of the Rod Laver Arena, without stopping to carry out the ritual post- match.
“A few days ago, a famous sports journalist from Channel 9 made fun of Serbian fans and made insulting comments about me”assured the Serb at a press conference, without specifying the exact nature of the remarks. Neither the journalist concerned, whose name Djokovic did not give, nor his employer presented him with“public apology”.
“Since Channel 9 is the official broadcaster” of the Australian Open, the former world No.1 decided to no longer grant them an interview as long as the channel does not apologize. “I will let Channel 9 handle the situation in whatever way they see fit.”concluded the Serbian, who will face Carlos Alcaraz (3rd) in the quarter-finals.
“Novak is in the past”
Since Friday evening, a video showing Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones mocking Novak Djokovic supporters has been circulating on social media. “We’re back at Melbourne Park, where you can see Novak Djokovic’s fans singing their hearts out”declares 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.”concludes the presenter.
-This Sunday, Novak Djokovic stressed that he had no “nothing against Jim Courier”who was to conduct the interview on court, “nor against the Australian public. » He also clarified that he would agree to pay the fine provided for players who do not comply with post-match interviews, theoretically obligatory.
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