Source : ABC NEWS
Novak Djokovic has said he will avoid doing interviews on court at the Australian Open until he receives an apology from the Nine Network, after reporter Tony Jones “mockery of Serbian fans”.
An irate Djokovic refused to do the customary on-court interview for the broadcast, this time with two-time Australian Open winner Jim Courier, instead delivering a curt statement to the crowd and walking off the court to scattered boos from the stunned crowd.
In his press conference, Djokovic said his protest was against host broadcaster, Nine Network, after reporter Tony Jones “mockery of Serbian fans”.
Jones drew criticism last week for a live broadcast where he said the 24-time grand slam champion was a “has been”.
“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 turned around and began singing to the crowd, live on air.
“Novak, he’s overrated,” Jones 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.”
That interaction did not sit well with Djokovic, who won a gold medal for Serbia at the Paris Olympic Games.
“He made a mockery of Serbian fans,” Djokovic said of Jones in his press conference on Sunday night.
Djokovic said his frustration was not with fans, despite receiving some boos during his fourth round victory over Jiří Lehečka.
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