Broadcaster apologizes after Djokovic refuses post-match interview at Australian Open

MELBOURNE, Australia — A broadcaster has apologized after Novak Djokovic refused to do a post-match interview on court docket on the Australian Open Sunday to dispute an on-air remark by a TV community operator.

Djokovic stated he needs to apologize to Channel 9 and Tony Jones, who referred to as the 24-time Grand Slam champion “extreme” and was current when he appeared on air at Melbourne Park when a crowd of followers of the participant sang.

Djokovic, a 37-year-old Serbian, didn’t title Jones, however stated that “a well-known sports activities journalist who works for the official broadcaster, Channel 9 … made enjoyable of Serbian followers and spoke insultingly and insultingly to me.”

Djokovic stated he’ll proceed to keep away from speaking to the community.

“I depart it to Channel 9 to deal with this as they see match. That is all,” stated Djokovic.

Australia’s 9 Community issued an announcement on Monday and apologized to Djokovic “for any offense attributable to feedback made within the current cross.”

“No hurt was meant in opposition to Novak or his supporters,” the assertion stated. “We look ahead to persevering with to showcase his Australian Open marketing campaign at Melbourne Park.”

Jones appeared on the Immediately present on Monday to apologize, and stated the remark was meant as “banter.”

“I believed it was humorous, which is in step with numerous issues I do,” he stated. “Having stated that, I used to be knowledgeable … that the Djokovic camp was under no circumstances proud of that remark.

“I instantly contacted the Djokovic camp and apologized to them. And as I stand right here now, I stand by that apology to Novak. “

Jones additionally apologized to any Serbian followers who didn’t interpret his phrases as a joke.

“I really feel like I let the Serbian followers down,” he stated. “I am not simply saying this to attempt to get out of bother or something. I really feel for these followers.”

“So, I can inform Novak once more what I instructed him 48 hours in the past. And meaning I am sorry if he appears like I am disrespecting him.”

After defeating Jiri Lehecka in three units at Rod Laver Area on Sunday to succeed in the quarterfinals, Djokovic was anticipated to talk to former participant Jim Courier on tv. As an alternative, Djokovic took the microphone and instructed the group: “Thanks very a lot for being right here tonight. I admire your presence and assist. I am going to see you subsequent spherical. I see loads.”

Later, in his press convention, Djokovic started with an announcement, telling reporters why he didn’t do the interview and clarified that he was upset with Jones and the broadcaster, not Courier or the followers within the area.

He stated he additionally spoke to Craig Tiley, who’s the top of Tennis Australia about this matter.

I needed to be sure to know the place I stand and the explanations for this,” stated Djokovic. So I instructed him: ‘If you wish to superb me for not talking in court docket, superb.’ I’ll settle for that as a result of I really feel like that is the appropriate factor to do. That is all there may be to it.”

Djokovic later texted X once more explaining why he refused to speak. That prompted a response from X-billionaire Elon Musk, who stated “It is a lot better to speak to the general public straight than to undergo the destructive filter of legacy media.”

Djokovic responded to Musk’s tweet with “Positive” adopted by a raised palms emoji.

Djokovic is scheduled to play No. 3 seed Carlos Alcaraz within the quarterfinals on Tuesday.