NOVAK DJOKOVIC refused to participate in an on-court interview following his straight units victory over Jiri Lehecka on the Australian Open earlier at present.

The Serb, 37, produced a superb efficiency to guide a quarter-final conflict with Carlos Alcaraz.

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However having been upset by feedback made by Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones, Djokovic didn’t stick round for an interview.

Following the match, Jones’ colleague Jim Courier took to the court docket on Rod Laver Enviornment to talk to Djokovic.

However the 24-time Main champion solely supplied a short assertion to followers earlier than strolling off.

Earlier than being seen in discussions with match director Craig Tiley, Djokovic stated: “Thanks very a lot for being right here tonight, I admire your presence and the assist. I will see you within the subsequent spherical.”

Jones, 63, upset Djokovic with feedback made whereas standing in entrance of a vocal group of singing Serbian supporters.

The Aussie stated: “Welcome again to Melbourne Park, the place you possibly can see the Novak Djokovic followers, they’re in full voice. The chants are fairly extraordinary.”

Jones then sang: ‘Novak, he’s overrated. Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out.

“Boy, I’m glad they’ll’t hear me. Anyway, let’s get on to the tennis.”

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Djokovic started his post-match press convention with a pre-prepared assertion on the difficulty.

He stated: “Good night. I want to simply make clear the rationale why the interview was not performed on the court docket, the post-match interview, prefer it’s a standard, standard follow.

“A few days in the past the well-known sports activities journalist who works for official broadcaster, Channel 9 right here in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian followers and in addition made insulting and offensive feedback in the direction of me.

“And since then, he selected to not problem any public apology. Neither did Channel 9. So since they’re official broadcasters, I selected to not give interviews for Channel 9.

“I’ve nothing in opposition to Jim Courier or the Australian public. It was a really awkward scenario for me to face on the court docket at present. It is unlucky.

“I selected to say one thing to the gang, however clearly it wasn’t the time and area or scenario for me to elucidate what I am doing proper now.

“I depart it to Channel 9 to deal with this the best way they assume they see match. That is all.”

In the event you guys wish to wonderful me for not giving an on-court interview, that is okay

Novak Djokovic

After confirming that this could stay his stance till he receives a direct apology, Djokovic added of his dialog with Tiley: “Precisely what I informed you, that is what I informed him. I have never seen him since that occurred.

“I’ve a very nice relationship with Craig, I believe he is an outstanding man that at all times tries to assist gamers and perceive the gamers’ wants or calls for, so I simply needed to ensure that he is aware of the place I stand and the explanations behind it.

“So I informed him, ‘In the event you guys wish to wonderful me for not giving an on-court interview, that is okay, I will settle for that as a result of I really feel like that is one thing that must be executed’. That is all there may be to it.”

Djokovic went on to reaffirm his assertion in a video posted to social media – earlier than admitting that he hopes the scenario could be resolved forward of his quarter-final with Alcaraz.

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PREVIOUS CONTROVERSY

Channel 9 stalwart Jones has beforehand been concerned in controversy throughout his near-four a long time with the Aussie broadcaster.

In 2016 he infamously tried to kiss colleague Bec Judd, now 41, throughout a reside phase.

When approached by Balkan outlet SportKlub, Jones did categorical remorse at his phrases.

He stated: “Sadly, my ‘humor’ the opposite evening was misinterpreted as an assault on Novak.

“That was actually not the case. I’ve been joking with Serbian followers all through the match and that is – at the least I believed so – a continuation of that.

“In the event you watch our morning present, you’ll get an thought of ​​how we work. At no level did I imply to point out any disrespect to Novak and I apologise – there was actually no intention to offend him.”

It’s not clear whether or not Djokovic expects an additional on-air or in-person apology.

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