Channel 9 issues apology after Novak Djokovic callout

Not for the first time in his career, Djokovic has been targeted by abusive fans at the first Grand Slam of 2025 and the Serbian has barked back at his detractors and used their snipes to fire his ambitions on court.

The 37-year-old confirmed he is still a big challenger to win an 11th Australian Open titl with a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) win over Jiri Lehecka to set up a mouth-watering quarter-final against Carlos Alcaraz.

Yet he caused a storm after the match by refusing to conduct a post-match interview on court and demanding an apology from host broadcaster Channel 9.

After declining the opportunity to speak to Jim Courier on court, the Serbian explained he took his stance after Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones mocked a group of chanting Djokovic fans live on air as he said: "Novak is overrated, Novak's a has-been, Novak kick him out".

Djokovic gave this response to the story as he took to social media to explain his stance.

"Hey guys, thank you all for your support," said Djokovic. "It was a great match again against Lehecka, who's in form. Looking forward to the next match-up with Carlos, and I just want to take a moment to reflect on what happened on the court.

"The reason why I did not do an interview that is a common practice, after the match for the winner to do a post-match interview - I just wanted to clarify with everyone what happened.

"The reason why I chose not to do that is that a few days ago, a famous sports journalist from here in Australia, who works for a main broadcaster of the Australian Open - Channel 9 - decided to mock Serbian fans, and he made insulting and offensive comments towards me.

"So I was hoping he was going to apologise in public, which he hasn't done yet, and neither did Channel 9, so that's the only reason why I didn't do the interview.

"It was, of course, not a great feeling for me and it was quite awkward on the court. Jim Courier is the one who came out, I have tremendous respect for him and I always love speaking to Jim.

"I know that a lot of people wanted to hear me speak so I apologise for everyone in the stadium not being able to hear me speak, and on the TV as well.

"That's the main reason and I have to stand by my decision and hold these stands until something is done. I leave it to Channel 9 and hopefully that situation will change for the next match."

Channel 9 broadcaster Jones took his time to respond, but he finally conceded he made a mistake with a statement before play started on Monday in Melbourne.

"I considered it to be humour, which is consistent with most things I do," said Jones. "Having said that, I was made aware on Saturday morning from Tennis Australia via the Djokovic camp that the Djokovic camp was not happy at all with those comments.

"As such, I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them. And as I stand here now, I stand by that apology to Novak.

"They come here with the flags and they provide so much colour and so much passion and there was banter, so I thought what I was doing was an extension of that banter.

"Quite clearly that hasn't been interpreted that way. So I do feel as though I've let down the Serbian fans."

It was an apology that should satisfy Djokovic and encourage him to resume his media duties, with the most successful player in Australian Open history winning another mini-battle as he targets more glory in Melbourne.

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