Novak Djokovic booked his spot in the Australian Open quarter-finals with a straight-sets win over Jiri Lehecka.
While the 6-3 6-4 7-6(4) result was fairly routine, the world No. 7 bucked tradition following the match’s conclusion.
As he exited Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic refused a full on-court interview with commentator Jim Courier.
Typically, the victorious player answers a few questions for the tournament’s broadcasters.
MORE: Collins makes final dig at AO fans, veteran broadcaster
Instead, the Serbian star took the microphone to make a short statement and then made his way to the exit.
A mixture of applause and boos were heard around the venue.
He signed some autographs for fans before eventually heading down the tunnel.
“Thank you very much for being here tonight, I appreciate your presence and support,” Djokovic said.
“See you next round. Thank you very much.”
Watch the moment below (Europe only):
“I’ll see you next round!” 🙌
Novak Djokovic gives a swift statement after reaching his 58th Grand Slam quarter-final 🗣️#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/hLcRyGS65v
— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 19, 2025
In his official post-match press conference, Djokovic revealed his decision to skip the on-court interview was a protest against the Australian Open host broadcaster – Nine Network – after reporter Tony Jones made a “mockery of Serbian fans”.
During a live broadcast last week, Jones was seen standing in front of a group of Novak Djokovic fans, who were singing and waving Serbian flags.
“Welcome back to Melbourne Park, where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans, they’re in full voice. The chants are quite extraordinary,” he said.
Jones then started singing to the pack of fans.
“Novak, he’s overrated,” he sang.
“Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out.
“Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me. Anyway, let’s get onto the tennis.”
Djokovic said he will avoid doing on-court interviews at Melbourne Park until he receives an apology from the Nine Network.
“I’d like to just clarify the reason why [the interview] was not conducted on the court … a couple of days ago the famous sports journalist (Tony Jones) who works for the official broadcaster Nine here in Australia made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me,” he said.
“And since then he chose not to issue any public apology, neither did Nine. Since they’re the official broadcasters I chose not to give interviews for Channel Nine.
“I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public.
It’s unfortunate, I chose to say something to the crowd but it obviously wasn’t the time and situation to explain what I’m doing right now.
“I leave it to Nine to handle this the way they see fit.”
During Sunday’s match, Djokovic appeared agitated by a handful of fans who yelled at him on multiple occasions as he tried to serve. However, he confirmed that this was not the reason behind his decision to skip the chat with Courier.
He completed a television interview with Barbara Schett for Eurosport shortly after exiting the court.
Djokovic was also shown having an animated discussion with tournament director Craig Tiley after the match via Channel 9’s broadcast.
The 10-time Australian Open winner will face Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster last-eight clash on Tuesday.
