Novak Djokovic has launched a boycott of on-court interviews at the Australian Open until he receives an apology from host channel Channel 9 for a segment saying: “He mocked Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me.”
On Saturday, Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones was broadcasting in front of a group of Djokovic fans at Melbourne Park.
“Welcome back to Melbourne Park, where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans, they are in full voice,” Jones said. “The chants are quite extraordinary.”
Then he turned to face them and performed some of his own sleigh chants: “Novak, he’s overrated,” Jones sang. ‘Novak is a past. Novak, kick him out.
‘Wow, I’m glad they can’t hear me. Anyway, let’s move on to tennis.
After Djokovic’s straight-sets victory over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday night, Jim Courier approached him for the traditional on-court interview. The 10-time champion took the microphone and said: ‘Thank you very much for being here tonight, I appreciate your presence and the support. I’ll see you in the next round,’ before heading off to sign autographs for fans.
Djokovic was then seen chatting with Australian Open director Craig Tiley and began his post-match press conference with a prepared statement: “Good evening. I would like to simply clarify the reason why the interview did not take place in the field, the post-match interview, as if it were a common and habitual practice.



‘A couple of days ago, the famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster, Channel 9, here in Australia, mocked the Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me.
‘And since then, he chose not to issue any public apology. Neither does Channel 9. So, since they are official stations, I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9.
‘I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public. It was a very uncomfortable situation for me to face today on the court. It’s unfortunate. I chose to say something to the crowd, but it obviously wasn’t the time, space or situation to explain what I’m doing now.
‘I’ll let Channel 9 handle this the way they see fit. That’s all.’
When asked if this stance would continue until he receives an apology, Djokovic replied: “Yes, exactly.”