Novak Đoković refused an interview for Australian television because of criticism, he found support from Elon Musk
Novak Djokovic moved to Australian Open quarterfinals on Sunday with a two-set victory over Jiří Lehecko in the fourth round of the tournament.
But Djokovic’s dominance was overshadowed by what happened when he left the court. Djokovic refused to speak to Australia’s Channel 9, the official broadcaster of the tournament in the host country, because of comments made by journalist Tony Jones about Serbian star.
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Novak Djokovic celebrates after defeating Jiri Lehecko at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Djokovic said he wanted an apology from the station and Jones without mentioning Jones’ name. He said: “A well-known sports journalist who works for the official television station, Channel 9… ridiculed Serbian fans and also made insulting and insulting comments about me.”
Jones called Djokovic overrated and failed.
He said he would continue to boycott talks with the network.
“I leave it up to Channel 9 to handle this as they see fit. That’s all,” he said.
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Novak Djokovic signs autographs for fans after defeating Jiri Lehecko at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Đoković left the court immediately after the victory over Lehecko. He was expected to speak with former tennis player Jim Courier on television. He told reporters at his press conference that he was still angry with Jones and Channel 9.
The tennis star said he had also spoken to Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley.
“I just wanted to make sure he knew where I was and the reasons behind it,” he said. “So I told him, ‘If you want to fine me for not doing an interview on the field, that’s fine.’ I’ll take it because I feel it’s something that needs to be done.”
Billionaire X owner Elon Musk assessed the situation in a post on social networks.
“It’s much better to just talk to the public directly than to go through the legacy media filter of negativity,” Musk wrote.
Novak Djokovic is congratulated by Jira Lehecka after their fourth round match at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Sunday, January 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
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Djokovic replied: “Indeed.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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