Djokovic addresses fans after boycott of his interview: "I was hoping for a public apology"

Qualifying for his 61st Grand Slam quarter-final following his win over Jiri Lehecka, Novak Djokovic would certainly have hoped to celebrate this achievement in a better atmosphere.

By boycotting the post-match on-court interview, following the recent mockery of journalist Tony Jones of Australian broadcaster Channel 9, Djokovic had to explain his decision in a press conference and then in a video addressed to his fans on his X account.

He said: "Hello everyone, thank you all for your support. Great match against Lehecka, who is a player in form. Can't wait for the next match against Carlos.

I just want to take a moment to explain what happened on court and why I didn't do the post-match interview on court, which is normal practice for the winner of the match.

The reason I didn't is that a few days ago, a famous Australian sports journalist, who works for the main broadcaster of the Australian Open Channel Nine, decided to make fun of the Serbian fans and made insulting and offensive comments about me.

So I was hoping he would apologize in public, which he didn't, and neither did Channel Nine. So that's the only reason I didn't do the interview.

It was, of course, not very pleasant for me and it was an awkward moment on the court. Jim Courier was the interviewer on the court, I have immense respect for him and I always love talking to him.

I know a lot of people were expecting me to speak, so I apologize to everyone in the stadium and also those in front of their televisions.

But I have to stick to my decision and maintain this position until something is done. I defer to Channel 9 and hope that the situation will change for the next game."