Novak Djokovic walked off court at the Australian Open after grabbing the mic from Jim Courier (Image: X/@NovakDjokovic/Getty)
has apologised for with Jim Courier at the Australian Open following his win over Jiri Lehecka.
The Serbian star reached the quarter-finals in Melbourne to put him on track for his 11th title in Melbourne.
Despite facing an opponent 16 years his junior, Djokovic looked sharp and made light of work Lehecka, clinching a straightforward 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-4) win against the 24th seed.
But instead of speaking about his win on court after the match, the 37-year-old grabbed the microphone from Courier and briefly thanked the fans before exiting the court.
Djokovic has now attempted to clear up what happened by explaining his reasons for refusing to conduct the interview.
“Hey guys, thank you all for the support. Great match against Lehecka, who is in form. Looking forward to the next match-up with Carlos [Alcaraz],” Djokovic said in a video clip posted on his social media.
“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 matches for the winner to do a post-match interview – I just wanted to make sure I clarify with everyone what happened.
“The reason why I chose not to do that is because a few days ago, a famous sports journalist here from Australia who works for a main broadcaster of at Channel 9 decided to mock Serbian fans and made insulting and offensive comments towards me.
Novak Djokovic handed back the microphone and left the court (Image: Getty)
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“So I was hoping he’s going to apologise in public, which he hasn’t done yet, neither did Channel 9. So that’s the reason only reason why I didn’t do the interview.”
Djokovic insisted he holds no ill feelings towards four-time Major winner Courier, 54, who was spotted trying to resolve the situation before the tennis star left the court.
“Of course, not a great feeling for me. It was quite awkward on the court,” Djokovic added.
“Jim Courier was the one that came out, I have tremendous respect for him and I always love speaking to Jim.
Novak Djokovic was unhappy after being booed by fans (Image: Getty)
“I know a lot of people wanted to hear me speak so I apologise for everyone, people in the stadium and not being able to hear me speak and on the TV as well.”
It was later confirmed that Djokovic had referenced remarks made on Friday by Australian newsreader Tony Jones, who attacked the 24-time Grand Slam winner on live TV.
Jones shouted in the direction of a group of chanting Djokovic fans: “Novak, he’s overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out!” while he was on camera.
It remains to be seen if clear-the-air talks will be held to resolve the situation, especially in the realistic scenario that Djokovic could reach the semi-final or final in Melbourne which would lead to more on-court snubs.