Novak Djokovic boycotts on-court interview amid Channel 9 row at ...

Novak Djokovic began his Australian Open post-match press conference in a somber mood Sunday evening when he addressed the reason why he eschewed the traditional on-court interview after reaching the quarterfinals—a decision that drew boos from fans on Rod Laver Arena.

“Couple days ago. the famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster, Channel 9 here in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me,” Djokovic explained following a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4) victory over Jiri Lehecka. “And since then, he chose not to issue any public apology. Neither did Channel 9. So, since they're official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9.”

The incident in question played out on live television Friday night when broadcaster Tony Jones, already under fire for calling Danielle Collins a “brat” for her on-court behavior, mocked a group of Serbian fans chanting Djokovic’s name during a newsread.