Novak Djokovic declined to do the usual post-match TV interview at the Australian Open after his victory on Sunday night to protest against the on-air comments made by someone working for the tournament’s official broadcaster in the host country.
Djokovic said he wants an apology from Channel 9 and Tony Jones, who referred to the 24-time Grand Slam champion as overrated and finished during an on-air appearance at Melbourne Park where a crowd of the player's fans were chanting.
Djokovic did not mention Jones, but said that a "famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster, Channel 9... mocked Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me."
The 37-year-old Serbian warned that he will continue to avoid speaking with the media.
"I leave it in the hands of Channel 9 to handle this in the way they see fit. That's all," Djokovic said.
Djokovic later posted a message on X, reiterating why he refused to speak. This prompted a response from Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of the social network, who said: "It is much better to speak directly to the public than to go through the negativity filter of traditional media."
Djokovic responded to Musk's tweet with "indeed," followed by a raised hands emoji.
After defeating Jiri Lehecka in three sets at the Rod Laver Arena to reach the quarterfinals, Djokovic was expected to speak with former player Jim Courier on television. Instead, Djokovic took the microphone and told the crowd, "Thank you very much for being here tonight. I appreciate your presence and support. See you in the next round. Thank you very much."
Later, at his press conference, Djokovic began with a statement, explaining to the journalists why he did not do the interview and clarifying that he was upset with Jones and the broadcaster, not with Courier or the fans in the stadium.
He said he also spoke with Craig Tiley, the CEO of Tennis Australia, about the matter.
"I just wanted to make sure that he knows my position and the reasons behind it," said Djokovic. "So I told him, 'If you want to fine me for not giving an interview on the court, that's fine.' I will accept that because I feel it's something that needs to be done. That's all there is to it."