Amidst heightened emotions and competitive rigor, Novak Djokovic’s decision to boycott Channel 9’s post-match interview drew significant attention. This unprecedented situation unfolded after Djokovic’s victorious fourth-round match at the Australian Open, setting the stage for an intense quarterfinal against Carlos Alcaraz. Known for his passionate performances and commitment to the sport, Djokovic’s move highlighted lingering tensions behind the scenes.

The tension arose from comments made by Tony Jones, a journalist at Channel 9, who during a segment, made remarks perceived as derogatory by Djokovic and his supporters. Jones, speaking to fans, referred to Djokovic’s Serbian supporters derogatory terms, and even jokingly called for the player to be ‘kicked out’, reminiscent of the athlete’s previous deportation concerns.

Feeling the weight of these remarks, Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, announced his decision to withhold interviews from Channel 9 until an apology was rendered. Tony Jones subsequently issued a public apology, acknowledging the hurtful nature of his words and the unintended consequences.

This incident underscores the unique pressures athletes face, both on and off the courts. For Djokovic, it was a stand against what he perceived as disrespect, reiterating his commitment to maintaining a respectful and fair sporting environment. The controversy added another layer of intrigue to Djokovic’s tournament journey, reflecting his determination to uphold his principles alongside his pursuit of excellence in tennis.

Djokovic at the Australian Open, ranking, and results in 2025

Currently ranked no.7, the Serbian has a composed 6-1 win-loss record in 2025. Novak is playing at the Australian Open where he defeated the world no.107 Nishesh Basavareddy 4-6 6-3 6-4 6-2, the world no.125 Jaime Faria 6-1 6-7(4) 6-3 6-2, the world no.25 Tomas Machac 6-1 6-4 6-4 and the world no.29 Jiri Lehecka 6-3 6-4 7-6(4).

Novak Djokovic will fight against the world no.3 Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter. Their current record is 4-3 for Djokovic.

Novak won 99 titles in his career: 52 on hard courts, 20 on clay courts, 19 on indoor courts and 8 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)