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Offended and awaiting apologies, Djokovic boycotts Australian TV: ‘If they want to fine me, I accept it’

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic en Australia
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Add this to the list of controversies and tense episodes in Novak Djokovic’s career: this time, the Serbian refused to give an on-court interview after his fourth-round win at the Australian Open.

“The famous journalist who works for Channel 9 mocked Serbian fans and made insulting and offensive comments towards me,” Djokovic said at the press conference.

What offended Djokovic, leading to his boycott of the broadcaster that holds the tournament’s TV rights, were the sarcastic remarks made by Tony Jones during a TV segment a few days ago. The Australian sports journalist called him “overrated” while ridiculing the chants made by a group of Djokovic’s fans behind him at Melbourne Park.

 

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“Novak is overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak, kick him out!”, were the comments from Jones that irritated the holder of 10 crowns in Melbourne.

That’s why on Sunday night at Rod Laver Arena, the former world number one took the microphone from Jim Courier, greeted and thanked the crowd that supported him, and refused to take questions from the North American.

“He (Jones) decided not to give a public apology, neither did Channel 9,” said the 24-time Grand Slam champion. After leaving the court, he had a brief conversation with tournament director Craig Tiley, to whom he explained the matter. “I told him ‘If you want to fine me for not giving the post-match interview, that’s fine, I’ll accept it, but this is something I feel needs to be done.'”

Djokovic ofendido
Novak Djokovic felt offended by the comments of a journalist from the official broadcaster. In the picture, he is playing a match at Rod Laver Arena / action press

His friend Nick Kyrgios had spoken out before Djokovic publicly acknowledged that he felt offended: “‘Coming from this clown – couldn’t run around a park this bloke.'”

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“That’s really disturbing behavior for a TV presenter who works for Channel 9… does he still have a job for the rest of the tournament?” tweeted Boris Becker, six-time Grand Slam champion and former coach of the Serbian, who accompanied him on two occasions on the road to a title in Melbourne.

A new episode of tension for Djokovic in Australia, which coincides with the buildup to what will be the most attractive match of the season so far, when he faces Carlos Alcaraz at the main stadium for a spot in the semifinals.

If he wins, he will be just a few steps away from standing alone as the greatest Grand Slam title winner of all time.

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