Novak Djokovic refuses post-match interview at the Australian Open and storms off court as he las...
By iman nador 80 views 2 weeks agoShow Description
Novak Djokovic certainly knows how to make a rather dull day of Grand Slam tennis end with a bang.
The 10-time champion has launched a boycott of on-court interviews at the Australian Open until he receives an apology from host broadcaster Channel 9 over a segment which he says: ‘Made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me’.On Friday, Channel 9 host Tony Jones was broadcasting in front of a group of Novak Djokovic supporters at Melbourne Park.Welcome back to Melbourne Park, where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans, they’re in full voice,’ Jones said. ‘The chants are quite extraordinary.’
He then turned round to face them and pantomimed some sledging chants of his own: ‘Novak, he’s overrated,’ Jones sang. ‘Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out.
‘Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me. Anyway, let’s get onto the tennis.’After Djokovic’s straight-sets win over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday night, which set up a blockbuster quarter-final against Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday, he was approached by Jim Courier for the traditional on court interview.
The 10-time champion took the microphone and said: ‘Thank you very much for being here tonight, I appreciate your presence and the support. I'll see you in the next round,’ before marching off to sign autographs for the fans.Djokovic was then seen deep in conversation with Australian Open boss Craig Tiley and he began his post-match press conference with a prepared statement: ‘Good evening. I would like to just clarify the reason why the interview was not conducted on the court, the post-match interview, like it's a common, usual practice.
‘A couple of days ago the famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster, Channel 9 here in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me.