Novak Djokovic certainly knows how to make a fairly boring day of Grand Slam tennis end with a bang.
The ten-time champion has launched a boycott of on-court interviews at the Australian Open until he receives an apology from Channel 9 for a segment that says: 'He mocked Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me' .
On Friday, Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones was broadcasting in front of a group of Novak Djokovic fans at Melbourne Park.
“Welcome back to Melbourne Park, where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans, they are in full voice,” Jones said. “The chants are quite extraordinary.”
Then he turned to face them and performed some of his own sleigh chants: “Novak, he's overrated,” Jones sang. 'Novak is a past. Novak, kick him out.
'Wow, I'm glad they can't hear me. Anyway, let's move on to tennis.
Novak Djokovic says he will boycott on-court interviews at Australian Open
This came after Channel 9 host Tony Jones appeared to mock the Serb during a television broadcast.
Djokovic briefly thanked fans during the interview before leaving the court, stopping to sign autographs before heading down the tunnel.
After Djokovic's straight-sets victory over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday night, which set up a successful quarterfinal against Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday, Jim Courier approached him for the traditional on-court interview.
The 10-time champion took the microphone and said: 'Thank you very much for being here tonight, I appreciate your presence and the support. I'll see you in the next round,' before heading off to sign autographs for fans.
Djokovic was then seen chatting with Australian Open boss Craig Tiley and began his post-match press conference with a prepared statement: “Good evening. I would like to simply clarify the reason why the interview did not take place in the field, the post-match interview, as if it were a common and habitual practice.
'A couple of days ago, the famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster, Channel 9, here in Australia, mocked the Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me.
'And since then, he chose not to issue any public apology. Neither does Channel 9. So, since they are official stations, I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9.
'I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public. It was a very uncomfortable situation for me to face today on the court. It's unfortunate. I chose to say something to the crowd, but it obviously wasn't the time, space or situation to explain what I'm doing now.
'I'll let Channel 9 handle this the way they see fit. That's all.'
When asked if this stance would continue until he receives an apology, Djokovic replied: “Yes, exactly.”
Djokovic headed to sign autographs with some fans before continuing through the tunnel.
After leaving the Rod Laver Arena he arrived at his press conference with a well-prepared statement. He told reporters that Jones' comments were “insulting and offensive.”
Jones apologized for the comments earlier in the week. In a statement to SportKlub he said: “At no time did I mean to disrespect Novak and I apologize.”
About the conversation with Tiley, Djokovic said: 'Exactly what I told you, that's what I told him. I haven't seen him since that happened.
“I have a really nice relationship with Craig, I think he's a phenomenal guy who always tries to help players and understand their needs or demands, so I just wanted to make sure he knew where I stood and the reasons behind it.
“So I told him, 'If you want to fine me for not doing an on-court interview, that's fine, I'll take it because I feel like it's something that needs to be done.' That's all there is to do.'
Jones did indeed apologize for his comments, in a statement to TV channel Balkan and the website SportKlub, but Djokovic is clearly hoping for a direct, personal and public apology.
'Unfortunately, my “humor” the other night was misinterpreted as an attack on Novak. That certainly wasn't the case. “I have been joking with the Serbian fans throughout the tournament and this, at least I think so, is a continuation of that,” he told SportKlub.
'If you watch our morning show, you'll get an idea of how we work. At no time did I mean to disrespect Novak and I apologize; I certainly had no intention of offending him.”
Jones has worked at Channel 9 for almost 40 years and is no stranger to controversy. In 2016, he awkwardly tried to kiss presenter Bec Judd, 22 years his junior, on live television.
This latest mistake was clearly a misjudged attempt at humor, but Djokovic is a proud man and especially attentive to any perceived slight towards the Serbian people.
According to the Courier, players have “no obligation” to participate in on-court interviews, so a fine for Djokovic seems unlikely, but this is an extremely unfortunate situation for the Australian Open and Tiley.
Channel 9 has been contacted for comment.