Novak Djokovic wants an apology.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion gave a traditional on-court interview to the Channel 9 host on Sunday after his fourth-round victory over Czech Republic's Jiri Rehechka at the Australian Open. He resigned due to “insulting and offensive comments.” We will broadcast the tournament a few days in advance.
“A few days ago, a well-known sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster Channel 9 here in Australia mocked Serbian fans and made insulting and offensive comments towards me,” Djokovic said at the post-match press conference. . According to the Guardian.
“And since then, he has chosen not to apologize publicly. “Channel 9 did the same. So I decided not to give an interview for Channel 9 because they are the official broadcaster. .”
Djokovic, who is seeking his 11th Australian Open title, did not identify the journalist in question, but Channel Nine's Tony Jones said: I got angry over the comment. Djokovic defeated Czech professional Tomas Macak in the third round in a TV corner featuring fans of the Serbian star at Melbourne Park on Friday.
“Novak, he's overrated. … Novak is gone,” Jones sang. “Novak, get rid of him. Hey, I'm glad they can't hear me.”
It's Djokovic gave a brief address to the crowd The 37-year-old superstar was scheduled to speak with Jim Courier after Sunday's 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) win at Rod Laver Arena, the 37-year-old superstar made the announcement in a press conference. The disrespect was not directed at either party.
“I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian people. It was a very awkward situation for me to face on court today. Unfortunately, I say something to the crowd. “But obviously there was no time, place or situation to explain what I was doing,” Djokovic said, according to the Guardian. “I'll leave it to Channel 9 to handle this as they see fit. That's it.”
Court after winning the Australian Open. Getty Images
Djokovic is escalated the situation In a video shared on his X account on Sunday, he said he had discussed the matter with Australian Open director Craig Tiley.
“I told him, if he wants to fine me for not giving an on-court interview, that's fine, I'll accept it, because this is what has to be done. Because I think that's what it's all about,” Djokovic said.
tennis dot com reported on Sunday Channel 9 has not yet responded to Djokovic's comments.
Djokovic will next face Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals on Monday.
