Novak Djokovic says he will continue to decline on-court interviews at the Australian Open until he receives an apology for ‘insulting’ remarks directed at him by an anchor on the tournament’s official broadcaster Channel Nine.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion saw off Jiri Lehecka in a convincing 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-4) victory to set up a quarter-final clash with Carlos Alcaraz in Melbourne.
The 37-year-old is targeting a record 11th title Down Under and looked delighted to advance through to the last eight in relative ease against the Czech 24th-seed.
But shortly after his win, Djokovic rejected the opportunity to speak to the crowd, with the veteran Serbian swiftly handing the microphone back to a bemused Jim Courier before making his way off the court.
‘It’s a very simple thing… he’s been watching my interviews here over the last couple of days and he’s like, “Look, I’ve got to get to the pro, I’m skipping you and going straight to Babsi [Barbara Schett]”,’ Courier joked on Eurosport when quizzed on the awkward exchange.
‘He knows he needs to go where the good stuff needs to be! Maybe we’ll learn more about it in the press conference but he just didn’t feel like having a chat with us.
‘I had no idea that was going to happen but there’s no obligation for these players to do that. It’s an opportunity for them to talk to the people in the stadium and, of course, the fans around the world.
‘Sometimes, if a player is injured or cramping, they might opt out of it. I don’t think it was that.’
Not long after, Djokovic lifted the lid on his reasons for snubbing the chat with Courier, stressing he had ‘nothing against’ the American former world No.1.
It soon became clear that Djokovic had been angered by a video which had been circulating prior to the fourth-round clash, in which Channel Nine anchor Tony Jones had labelled the Serbian ‘overrated’.
Jones also joked that Djokovic should be ‘kicked out’ of the tournament as he sang along with fans chanting the player’s name behind him at Melbourne Park.
‘I would like to just clarify the reason why the interview was not conducted on the court, the post-match interview. It’s a common, usual practice,’ Djokovic told reporters at his post-match press conference.
‘A couple of days ago, the famous sports journalist who works for 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, so since they’re official broadcasters, I just not to give interviews to Channel Nine.
‘I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public, it was a very awkward situation for me to face on the court here today.
‘It’s unfortunate I chose to say something to the crowd but obviously it wasn’t the time and space or situation for me to explain what I’m doing right now.
‘I leave it to Channel Nine to handle this the way they think and they say fit. That’s all.’
Asked whether this will remain his stance until he receives an apology, Djokovic replied: ‘Yes, exactly.’
Djokovic is prepared to accept a fine for his stance as he feels it is ‘something that needs to be done’.
‘I told Craig Tiley [director of the Australian Open], if you guys want to fine me for not giving an on-court interview, that’s okay,’ he added.
‘I’ll accept that because I feel like this is something that needs to be done. That’s all there is to it.’
Djokovic will face off against Alcaraz for a place in the semi-finals after British number one Jack Draper retired hurt from the latter’s fourth-round contest.
‘This is not the way that I want to win matches, to get through to the next round,’ Alcaraz said shortly after his win.
‘I’m happy, obviously, to play in another quarter-final here in Australia, but a little bit sad for Jack. He’s a really nice person, he doesn’t deserve to get injured.
‘I’m just a little bit sad for him and I’m pretty sure he’s going to come back stronger as he always does. I just want to wish him a speedy recovery.’
Alcaraz declared that he was ‘feeling great’ both mentally and physically but readying himself for an ‘even tougher’ second week.
‘I’m happy with the level I’m playing. On the court and off the court, I’m feeling really comfortable here in Australia which I think is pretty good,’ the Spaniard continued.
‘Basically, I’m feeling great coming into the second week of a Grand Slam. I think it’s really important to feel well physically.
‘Right now, the matches are even tougher so I’m just ready and I think I’m doing great things off the court as well.
‘I’m just happy about playing my second quarter-final here in Australia and hopefully I get further this year.’
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