Featured Image Credit: Eurosport
Topics: Novak Djokovic, Tennis, Australian Open
Marcus Chan
Novak Djokovic has explained his decision to boycott post-match interviews after he snubbed Jim Courier's on-court chat following his victory over Jiri Lehecka.
On Sunday morning, the 24-time Grand Slam winner sealed his place in the quarter-final of the 2025 Australian Open after beating Lehecka 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4).
After the match, it is tradition that the winning player will partake in an on-court interview to reflect on the game.
However, Djokovic took the microphone from ex-player Courier and said: "Thank you very much for being here tonight. I appreciate your support and I will see you in the next round," before being booed off by the crowd as he walked off.
The number seven seed was then seen signing autographs for fans before heading down the tunnel towards the locker room.
Advert
In his post-match press conference, the Serbian explained his decision not to do the interview and demanded an apology from Australian broadcaster Channel 9.
Djokovic was referring to Channel 9's Tony Jones, who shouted: "Novak, he's overrated, Novak's a has-been, Novak kick him out," towards his fans on Friday while live on TV.
The 37-year-old said: "A couple of days ago, a famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster, Channel Nine, here in Australia made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me.
"Since then, he chose not to issue any public apology, neither did Channel Nine. Since they are the official broadcaster, I chose not to give interviews to Channel Nine."
Advert
Djokovic added: "I have nothing against Jim Courier and the Australian public, and it was a very awkward situation for me to face on the court today.
Advert
"It's unfortunate, I chose to say something to the crowd, but obviously it wasn't the time and space for me to explain what I'm doing right now. I leave it to Channel Nine to handle this the way they see fit, and that's all."
When speaking about the incident on Channel 9, former tennis star John McEnroe said: "What happened there? ... that was a somewhat shocking ending to this evening."
Djokovic will take on Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-final of the Australian Open on Tuesday.