Novak Djokovic was taking on Carlos Alcaraz (Image: Eurosport)
Novak Djokovic’s entourage were seen covering up the television camera during the Serb’s quarter-final against .
It comes after the record Grand Slam champion was at the centre of a media storm involving host broadcaster Channel 9.
Early on during his clash with reigning and French Open champion Alcaraz, the camera panned towards Djokovic’s family in the crowd.
But while the cameraperson was picking up a shot of his family, including wife Jelena Djokovic, a man sat besides them sprung to his feet and attempted to cover the lens.
Djokovic had been served an apology by Channel 9 host Tony Jones, after the television presenter claimed the tennis star was “overrated” and ought to be “kicked out” of the .
He said: “I’m disappointed it come to this because the comments were made on the news on the Friday night which I considered to be banter and humour – which is consistent with what I do.
“However, I was made aware on the Saturday morning from Tennis Australia, via the Djokovic camp, that the Djokovic camp was not happy at all with those comments.
“I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them – 48 hours ago – for any disrespect which Novak felt I had caused.
Jones added: “As I stand here now I stand by that apology to Novak if he feels any disrespect, which he clearly does.
“The disrespect extends to the Serbian fans – over the years here there has been colour with them and passion and banter, and I thought that was an extension of that banter. Quite clearly that hasn’t been interpreted that way.
“I do feel I’ve let down the Serbian fans. I’m not just saying that to wriggle out of trouble. I genuinely feel for those fans.”
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Djokovic had earlier blasted Jones’ comments, dubbing them “offensive”. The 37-year-old said in a video posted to social media: “Hey guys, thank you all for your support,” said Djokovic. “It was a great match again against Lehecka, who’s in form. Looking forward to the next match-up with Carlos, and I just want to take a moment to reflect on what happened on the court.
“The reason why I did not do an interview that is a common practice, after the match for the winner to do a post-match interview – I just wanted to clarify with everyone what happened.
“The reason why I chose not to do that is that a few days ago, a famous sports journalist from here in Australia, who works for a main broadcaster of the – Channel 9 – decided to mock Serbian fans, and he made insulting and offensive comments towards me.
“So I was hoping he was going to apologise in public, which he hasn’t done yet, and neither did Channel 9, so that’s the only reason why I didn’t do the interview.
“It was, of course, not a great feeling for me and it was quite awkward on the court. Jim Courier is the one who came out, I have tremendous respect for him and I always love speaking to Jim.”
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