Comments made by Nine host Tony Jones were behind Novak Djokovic’s decision to snub an on-court interview after his fourth-round win at the Australian Open.
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Djokovic made a short statement after beating Jiri Lehecka in straight sets but did not answer any questions from interviewer Jim Courier as he usually would after a match.
Instead he left the court, happily speaking with the TV network Eurosport, and then gave a statement in his post-match press conference.
“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,” Djokovic said.
“Couple days ago the famous sports journalist (Tony Jones) 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. And since then, he chose not to issue any public apology. Neither did Channel 9.
“So since they’re official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9. I have nothing against Jim Courier or neither the Australian public.
“It was a very awkward situation for me to face on the court today. It’s unfortunate I chose to say something to the crowd, but obviously 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.”
Jones made a reported apology to Serbian website Sport Klub.
“Unfortunately, my ‘humour’ the other night was misinterpreted as an attack on Novak. That was certainly not the case. I’ve been joking with Serbian fans throughout the tournament and this is – at least I thought so – a continuation of that,” he said.
“If you watch our morning show, you’ll get an idea of how we work. At no point did I mean to show any disrespect to Novak and I apologise – there was certainly no intention to offend him.”
Jones was reading the sports news for Nine’s evening news bulletin live from Melbourne Park on Friday night when a large group of Djokovic fans holding Serbian flags began cheering in the background behind him.
“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.
“Novak, he’s overrated.
“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.”
As he finished his bulletin, Jones said: “Alright that wraps it up from Melbourne Park. Somehow I’m going to have to get out of here.
“No we’re fine, we had selfies. I told them I was Clint Stanaway.”
Nine newsreader Tom Steinfort responded: “I didn’t think anyone would be more unpopular than Danielle Collins after last night’s antics, but Tony you’ve taken the cake.”
In a comment provided to news.com.au after the incident, Jones said: “It was good natured banter with the Serbian fans. We’ve been doing it all tournament and it’s all in good fun. This is the happy Slam.”
Djokovic spoke with Australian Open boss Craig Tiley about the boycott in the tunnels under the stadium after his win.
“It’s exactly what I told you. That’s what I told him. I haven’t seen him since that happened,” Djokovic said.
“He was communicating with my agent and my team. I just wanted to make sure, as I have really nice relationship with Craig, I think he’s a phenomenal guy that always tries to help players and understand the players’ needs or demands, so I just wanted to make sure that he knows where I stand and the reasons behind it.
“So I told him, you know, If you guys want to fine me for not giving an on-court interview, that’s okay, I’ll accept that ‘cause I feel like this is something that needs to be done. That’s all there is to it.”
The 24-time slam champion denied fan behaviour was a reason for him not doing the interview, though he did not deny the crowd was rowdy.
“No, look, nothing that really stands out or extraordinary. Every match something different
happens,” Djokovic said.
“I already explained myself the reason why I wasn’t giving an interview, is not for the crowd, it was for the Channel 9 situation.”
