Novak Djokovic certainly knows how to make a boring day of Grand Slam tennis end with a bang.
The 10-time champion has launched a boycott of on-court interviews at the Australian Open until he receives an apology from presenter Channel 9 over a segment in which he says: 'He mocked Serbian fans and also made insulting and insulting comments towards me'.
On Friday, Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones broadcast to a group of Novak Djokovic supporters 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 very special.'
Then he turned to face them and sang a few sleigh songs of his own: “Novak, he's overrated,” Jones sang. “Novak has been one. Novak, kick him out.
“Boy, I'm glad they can't hear me. Anyway, let's play tennis.'
Novak Djokovic surprised fans on Sunday evening after holding a very short post-match press conference
It came after Channel 9 broadcaster Tony Jones appeared to mock the Serb during a television broadcast
Later in his press conference, Djokovic said the reason behind the short interview was comments made by Channel 9's Tony Jones this week.
After Djokovic's straight-sets win over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday night, which set up a blockbuster quarter-final against Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday, he was approached by Jim Courier for the traditional on-court interview.
The ten-time champion took the microphone and said: “Thank you very much for being here tonight, I appreciate your presence and support. I'll see you in the next round before I march off to sign autographs for the fans.
Djokovic was then deep in conversation with Australian Open boss Craig Tiley, beginning his post-match press conference with a prepared statement: “Good evening. I would like to clarify the reason why the interview did not take place on the field, the post-match interview, as if it is a common, usual practice.
“A few days ago, the famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster Channel 9 here in Australia made fun of Serbian fans and also made insulting and insulting comments to me.
“And since then he has chosen not to make any public apology. Neither does Channel 9. Because they are official broadcasters, I have chosen not to give interviews for Channel 9.
“I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public. It was a very difficult situation for me today on the field. It's a shame. I chose to say something to the audience, but clearly there wasn't the time, space or situation to explain what I'm doing now.
“I'll leave it to Channel 9 to handle this in whatever way they see fit. That's all.'
When asked if this position would be maintained until he receives an apology, Djokovic replied: “Yes, exactly.”
Djokovic went there to sign autographs with some fans before walking into the tunnel
After leaving Rod Laver Arena, he arrived at his press conference with a well-prepared statement. He told reporters that Jones' comments were “offensive and insulting.”
Jones apologized for the comments earlier this week. In a statement to SportKlub, he said: “At no time was it my intention to show any disrespect towards Novak and I apologize.”
About the conversation with Tiley, Djokovic said: “Exactly what I told you, that's what I told him. I haven't seen him since that happened.
'I have a really nice relationship with Craig, I think he's a phenomenal guy who always tries to help players and understand the players' needs and demands, so I wanted to make sure he knows where I stand and the reasons behind it.
'So I said to him, 'If you guys want to fine me for not giving an interview in court, that's OK, I'll accept that because I feel like this is something that needs to be done.' That's all.'
Jones apologized for his comments in a statement to Balkan TV channel and website SportKlub, but Djokovic clearly expects a direct, personal and public apology.
“Unfortunately, my 'humor' last night was misinterpreted as an attack on Novak. That was certainly not the case. I have been joking with Serbian fans throughout the tournament and this is – or so I thought – a continuation of that,” he told SportKlub.
'If you watch our morning show, you get an idea of how we work. At no time was it my intention to show any disrespect towards Novak and I apologize – there was certainly no intention to offend him.”
Jones has worked at Channel 9 for almost four decades and is no stranger to controversy. In 2016, he awkwardly tried to kiss presenter Bec Judd, 22 years his junior, on live television.
This latest blunder was clearly a misjudged attempt at humor, but Djokovic is a proud man and is above all open to any form of contempt for the Serbian people.
According to Courier, players are 'not required' to take part in on-court interviews, so a fine for Djokovic seems unlikely, but for the Australian Open and Tiley this is an extremely unfortunate situation.
Channel 9 has been contacted for comment.
