Djokovic wants apology over ‘mockery’ of Serbian tennis fans

Novak Djokovic has demanded an apology from Tony Jones ahead of the Australian Open quarter-finals, after the Channel 9 reporter insulted him on air late last week.

Djokovic won his round-of-16 match against Jiri Lehecka in emphatic fashion on Sunday evening, racing past the Czech 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) to book a much-anticipated quarter-final clash against No.3 seed Carlos Alcaraz.

The story of the day was not Djokovic’s tennis, however, but his comments after the match — or rather, lack thereof.

The Serbian refused to give a post-match interview, instead briefly thanking the crowd for their support and walking off court.

In his post-match press conference, the 10-time Australian Open champion explained why.

“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,” he said.

“Couple days ago the famous sports journalist 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.”

The comments of Jones’ that Djokovic is referring to came as part of a live news broadcast, where the Australian sports reporter took aim at the 37-year-old and his supporters.

“Welcome back to Melbourne Park, where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans, they’re in full voice,” Jones said on Friday.

“The chants are quite extraordinary.

“’Novak, he’s overrated. Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out.’

“Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me. Anyway, let’s get onto the tennis.”

Jones’ attempt at a joke was widely criticised online, with Nick Kyrgios calling him a “clown” over the weekend.

However, in the aftermath of Djokovic’s statement on Sunday night, more prominent voices have come out against the journalist.

“Djokovic is right. That Channel 9 guy was an absolute tool,” Piers Morgan said.

“The audacity to call Novak Djokovic overrated by a reporter is just insane,” former Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka tweeted.

“The guy literally completed tennis by winning everything you can in our sport!”

Elon Musk even gave his two cents, supporting Djokovic’s approach to the situation.

“It’s way better just to talk to the public directly than go through the negativity filter of legacy media,” Musk said.

Jones is yet to respond to Djokovic’s request for an apology on Sunday night, though he did comment on the incident over the weekend.

“It was good-natured banter with the Serbian fans,” he said to Serbian press.

“We’ve been doing it all tournament and it’s all in good fun. This is the happy Slam.”

Amidst the controversy, tennis bookmakers have Djokovic at long odds to win his 11th title in Melbourne.

Despite dominant victories in rounds three and four, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is paying +600 to win the tournament at Bovada — well behind defending champion Jannik Sinner (+100) and Alcaraz (+200).

Top sportsbooks also favour Alcaraz heading into the pair’s meeting on Tuesday, with the Spaniard paying -227.27 to beat Djokovic in the Australian Open quarter-finals.

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