Novak Djokovic rejects interview with Australian broadcaster for criticism, finds support from Elon Musk

Novak Djokovic moved to the Australian Open quarterfinals on Sunday with a sixth straight victory over Jiří Lehecka in the fourth round of the tournament.

But Djokovic’s dominance was overshadowed by what happened when he left the court. Djokovic declined to speak to Australia’s Channel 9, the tournament’s official broadcaster for the host country, over journalist Tony Jones’ remarks about the Serbian star.

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Novak Djokovic celebrates after defeating Jiri Lehecka at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Djokovic said he wanted an apology from the station and Jones without mentioning Jones by name. He said: “A famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster, Channel 9 … made fun of the Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me.”

Jones called Djokovic overrated and he was.

He said he will continue to boycott talking to the network.

“I leave it to Channel 9 to handle this as they see fit. That’s all,” he said.

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Novak Djokovic signs autographs for fans after defeating Jiri Lehecka at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

Djokovic immediately left the court after defeating Lehecka. He was scheduled to speak to former tennis player Jim Courier on television. He told reporters at his press conference that he was still angry with Jones and Channel 9.

The tennis star said she also spoke to Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley.

“I just wanted to make sure he knows where I stand and the reasons behind it,” she said. “So I told him, ‘If you want to fine me for not giving an interview in court, that’s fine.’ I will accept it because I feel that this is something that needs to be done.

The owner of Billionaire X Elon Musk weighed in on the situation in a social media post.

“It’s better to just talk to the public directly than to go through the negativity filter of the legacy media,” Musk wrote.

Novak Djokovic is congratulated by Jiri Lehecka after his fourth round match at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Sunday, January 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

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Djokovic replied: “Indeed.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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