Djokovic, harsh against the Australian Open broadcaster: “I decided not to give them more interviews”

After advancing once again to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, Novak Djokovicone of the main figures in world tennis, announced that he will not give interviews in this tournament and expressed his dissatisfaction with the official broadcaster. “I decided not to give interviews. If they want to fine me, no problem,” said the world number 7.

The Serbian defeated the Czech Jiri Lehecka (29) this Sunday with sets of 6-3, 6-4 and 7-6(4) in 2 hours and 39 minutes of play at the emblematic Rod Laver Arena. At the end of the match, former player and current commentator Jim Courier approached, as usual, the winner of the match for a brief interview and the multi-time champion only said: “Thanks for being here tonight. I appreciate the support and will see you in the next round. Thank you very much,” he said briefly before leaving the field, amid boos from the public.

Later, Djokovic explained that he decided not to speak in rejection of Channel Nine, holder of the rights to broadcast the event in Australia. He stated that one of the station’s journalists He made offensive comments against them and that is why he will not talk to them anymore.

“I would like to clarify the reason why the note was not made on the court,” said the 24-time Grand Slam champion. “A couple of days ago, the famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster Nine here in Australia mocked Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards meand has since decided not to issue any public apology, as has Nine.”

In that sense, he confirmed that he will not give interviews with the network until he receives a public apology. “As they are official stations, I decided not to give interviews for Channel Nine. I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public; it’s unfortunate. I chose to say something to the crowd, but it was obviously not the time or situation to explain what I’m doing now. “I let Nine handle this as they see fit,” Djokovic warned.

In turn, he announced that he spoke with Craig Tiley, director of the Australian Open: “I told Tiley that if they want to fine me for not giving an interview on the court, No problem, I’ll accept it because I feel like it’s something that needs to be done.. “That’s all there is to do,” he said.

The journalist in question, as it turned out, is Tony Jonesan Australian commentator known for speaking very directly. In a video broadcast on social networks, he is seen making mocking comments towards the Serbian and his followers: “Djokovic is overrated. throw Djokovic!” He said while the Serbian fans were waiting to enter the venue during the previous day.

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic prepares to face Carlos Alcaraz

On a sporting level, after passing the round of 16, now Djokovic, almost 38 years old, will have to face Carlos Alcaraz, in what will be an “early final.” Although neither of them is currently at the top of the ranking, in recent times this has been one of the most disputed crossings on the circuit.

The Serbian is in search of his eleventh title in the Australian Opena tournament that he already won in 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023. He also wants to win again in a tournament of grand slama category in which he is the top winner with 24 conquests, although the last one was at the 2023 US Open.

This will be the eighth confrontation between Djokovic and Alcaraz, in a record that has the Serb as the leader with four wins and three losses.

In turn, it will be the fourth time that they will meet in a Grand Slam match. The previous ones were in the semifinals of Roland Garros (Djokovic 6-3, 5-7, 6-1 and 6-1) and the final of Wimbledon in 2023 and 2024 (Alcaraz 1-6, 7-6, 6-1, 3-6 and 6-4, and 6-2, 6-2 and 7-6, respectively).

The last time they met was in the final of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where Djokovic became Olympic champion for the first time in his career.