Novak Djokovic snubs Channel 9 after his Australian Open victory. The Serbian criticizes a journalist from the channel for making mocking remarks towards him and his fans. Discover behind the scenes of this surprising boycott…
World number 1 Novak Djokovic created a surprise on Sunday at the Australian Open by skipping the usual post-match interview on court. Visibly annoyed, the Serb later explained his gesture by “insulting comments” made towards him by a journalist from Channel 9, the official broadcaster of the tournament.
A few days earlier, a star presenter of the channel, Tony Jones, had made fun of “Nole” supporters in a video, imitating their chants and making fun of them. Images which made the rounds on social networks, sparking indignation in the Serbian camp.
A Boycott Until Channel 9 Apologizes
At a press conference, Djokovic said that in the absence of a public apology from the journalist and Channel 9, he would now refuse to grant them interviews. A strong decision from the ten-time winner of the Australian Open.
“I will let Channel 9 handle the situation in whatever way they see fit.”
– Novak Djokovic
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The Serbian nevertheless wanted to clarify that he had nothing against Jim Courier, who was to conduct the interview on court, nor against the Australian public. He said he was ready to pay the fine provided for players who do not comply with post-match interviews, which are in principle obligatory.
Djokovic-Alcaraz, Choc des Quarts
After his quick victory on Sunday against the Czech Jiri Lehecka, Novak Djokovic will face the Spanish prodigy in the quarter-finals Carlos Alcaraz3rd in the world. A duel at the top between the master and his announced heir, eagerly awaited by fans and observers.
It remains to be seen whether or not this extra-sporting episode will affect the concentration of “Nole”, in search of a record 22nd Grand Slam title. One thing is certain, the Serbian appeared determined in Melbourne, three years after his expulsion from Australia for lack of an anti-Covid vaccine. And he won’t let anyone disrespect him or his supporters.
Will Channel 9 Apologize?
The coming days will tell us if the Australian channel and its journalist will grant Novak Djokovic’s request. Failing this, the Serb would have to maintain his boycott of Channel 9 interviews until the end of the tournament, even if it means being fined for each match.
A media standoff therefore begins in parallel with the games on the courts of Melbourne Park. But Djokovic seems determined not to give up, he who had already been at the center of an intense controversy in Australia last year. To be continued…
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