Novak Djokovic is expected to end his media blackout with the Serbian superstar set to avoid any financial sanctions over his boycott.
After leaving Jim Courier hanging on Sunday in protest over Jones’ “offensive” comments about the tennis star, Djokovic has avoided interviews saying he will not be doing any media duties until he receives an apology.
It now appears the network and Djokovic have come to terms with his camp yesterday acknowledging Jones’ and Channel Nine’s apology and will resume his media obligations ahead of his titanic clash with Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday.
Djokovic is also set to avoid sanctions over failing to fulfil his media commitments with Tennis Australia reportedly choosing to avoid fining the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
The 37-year-old said he would happily accept any fines but news.com.au is reporting Tennis Australia along with the other grand slam tournament organisers have decided against the move despite ATP rules.
The rules state “unless injured and physically unable to appear, a player or team must be available, as determined by ATP, on court (for TVs only), in the mixed zone or media conference area after the conclusion of each match whether the player or team was the winner or loser.”
“Post-match media obligations include three interviews, with the news service, host and player’s national broadcasters.”
As a top 10 player, Djokovic was facing a $20,000 fine.
It comes as a former Australian Open finalist has called for Jones to be barred from Melbourne Park.
Marcos Baghdatis who went on a much-loved run to the final in 2006 believes Jones said he was “surprised” Jones is still allowed in the grounds.
“I just think he shouldn’t be allowed in the grounds, is my opinion,’’ he said.
“If a player (makes a mistake) nowadays we kill him, so I think this is really disrespectful to tennis, to the sport and to Novak and actually to the tournament.
“And I think actions should be taken, because we are talking about racism there, we are talking about a lot of things in my opinion.”
Australian US Open champion Sam Stosur believes the off-court controversy has only made Djokovic a more dangerous prospect on it.
“He has no doubt used some of that stuff in matches to help him play better and get over the line and move on into the next round,’’ she said.
“A few players have done that over the course of his career and over time and I think he is no different in that way.’’
Content Source: www.perthnow.com.au