Novak Djokovic refuses interview with Australian broadcaster over criticism, finds support from Elon Musk

Novak Djokovic moved to the Australian Open quarterfinals connected Sunday with a straight-set triumph implicit Jiří Lehecka successful the 4th circular of the tournament.

But Djokovic’s dominance was overshadowed by what happened erstwhile helium near the court. Djokovic refused to talk to Australia’s Channel 9, the authoritative broadcaster of the tourney for the big country, implicit writer Tony Jones’ remarks astir the Serbian star.

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

Djokovic said helium wanted an apology from the presumption and Jones without mentioning Jones by name. He said, "Famous sports writer who works for the authoritative broadcaster, Channel 9... made a mockery of Serbian fans and besides made insulting and violative comments toward me."

Jones called Djokovic overrated and a has-been.

He said helium volition proceed to boycott speaking to the network.

"I permission it to Channel 9 to grip this the mode they deliberation they spot fit. That’s all," helium said.

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

Djokovic instantly near the tribunal aft defeating Lehecka. He was expected to talk to erstwhile tennis subordinate Jim Courier connected television. He told reporters astatine his property league that helium was inactive upset with Jones and Channel 9.

The tennis prima said helium spoke to Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley arsenic well.

"I conscionable wanted to marque definite that helium knows wherever I basal and the reasons down it," helium said. "So I told him, ‘If you guys privation to good maine for not giving an on-court interview, that’s OK.’ I’ll judge that due to the fact that I consciousness similar this is thing that needs to beryllium done. That’s each determination is to it."

Billionaire X proprietor Elon Musk weighed successful connected the concern successful a societal media post.

"It’s mode amended conscionable to speech to the nationalist straight than spell done the negativity filter of bequest media," Musk wrote.

Novak Djokovic is congratulated by Jiri Lehecka aft their 4th circular lucifer astatine the Australian Open successful Melbourne, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

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Djokovic responded, "Indeed."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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