Novak Djokovic has stormed away from an on-court interview with host broadcaster Channel Nine just moments after his fourth-round victory at the Australian Open.
The Serbian champion gave a brief statement, but refused to be interviewed by Jim Courier after beating Czech Jiri Lehecka to set up a mouthwatering quarter-final clash of the titans with Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz.
And Djokovic revealed later he plans to boycott all interviews with Nine until broadcaster Tony Jones apologises for an on-air jibe.
Jones caused a storm earlier in the tournament when he described the 10-time Australian Open-winner as a “has been”, “overrated” and suggested officials should “kick him out”, presumably a reference to his decision not to receive the COVID vaccine.
The veteran sports reporter made the comments while mocking Serbian fans at Melbourne Park.
“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.”
Instead of completing the interview, Djokovic took the microphone and made a brief statement.
“Thank you very much for being here tonight. I appreciate your presence and support and I will see you next round. Thank you very much,” he said.
Djokovic then signed some autographs before heading off court.
Super Spaniard Alcaraz advanced on Sunday afternoon when his fourth round opponent, 15th-seed Brit Jack Draper, was forced to withdraw with a hip injury while trailing 7-5 6-1.
Ten-time champion Djokovic then overcame 23-year-old Lehecka on Rod Laver Arena in the evening, winning 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-4) to keep alive his quest for a record 25th grand slam singles title.
With his 10-year-old son Stefan, a rare visitor to the Open, watching in the stands, Djokovic sealed his 15th quarter-final appearance – equalling Roger Federer’s all-time record at Melbourne Park.
He also stretched his all-time record for grand slam quarter-final appearances to 61.
Lehecka posed a genuine threat to the veteran after an eight-match unbeaten start to the year, which included the Brisbane International title.
He had only dropped one set in three Open matches, while his best grand slam result came at Melbourne Park with a quarter-final berth in 2023.
While world No.29 Lehecka hit some spectacular winners, an unforced error tally of 44 cruelled his chances against the Serbian maestro.
Lehecka struggled to penetrate the game of the former world No.1, although he finally managed to break Djokovic’s serve in the second game of the third set to level at 1-1.
That boost of confidence breathed life into the battle and, willed by the large crowd, Lehecka kept his nose in front as the set headed to a tie-breaker.
Djokovic took control early and gave himself two match points, wrapping it up at his first opportunity.
Due to Djokovic’s ranking dropping to No.7, the Tuesday night show-stopper against third-seeded Alcaraz comes earlier than many would deem worthy.
Last year, the pair squared off in the Olympic gold medal match, won by 37-year-old Djokovic, while Acalraz clinched their Wimbledon title showdown for the second straight year.
Alcaraz, 21, has won four majors and needs the Australian Open crown to complete his career slam.
His best result at the Open was last year’s quarter-final showing, where he fell to current No.2 Alexander Zverev.
Djokovic exited in the semi-finals, beaten by eventual winner Jannik Sinner.
Content Source: www.perthnow.com.au