Australian Open 2025: Novak Djokovic’s Bold Confession on Paying a Possible Fine for His Dramatic Act

Novak Djokovic declined to do an on-court interview after his fourth-round Australian Open victory on Sunday. He defeated Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4), and moved into the QF stage. Just when the crowd was expecting his interaction with commentator and former pro-Jim Courier, he stunned him and the fans. But the 24-time Grand Slam winner didn’t take long to reveal the actual reason for boycotting the customary interview. And he’s not even worried about any potential fine for his act if there’s any. But what made him take such a major step?

During the press conference, he was asked about his decision to not do the on-court interview with Jim Courier. He clarified that it had nothing to do with him or the crowd, but with one of Channel 9’s journalists, Tony James. He revealed that “a couple of days ago the famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster Nine here in Australia made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me.”

Adding further, he mentioned that “since then” James hasn’t issued “any public apology, neither did Nine. Since they’re official broadcasters I chose not to give interviews for Channel Nine. I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public.” He then revealed that he had an interaction on this matter with Craig Tiley. He’s the CEO of Tennis Australia and tournament director of the Australian Open. “So I told him: ‘If you guys want to fine me for not giving an on-court interview, that’s OK.’ I’ll accept that because I feel like this is something that needs to be done.”

Again, he clarified that he has a very “nice relationship with Craig and I think he is a phenomenal guy and always tries to help players and understand the players’ needs or demands.” But for Djokovic, it was crucial to let Tiley know “where I stand and the reasons behind it” and “That’s all there is to it.”

The Serbian also underlined that until he receives an apology from Jones, he will keep boycotting the upcoming on-court interviews. But what’s the reason for the 10-time Australian Open’s angst? What exactly did Channel 9’s journalist say about him that made him so furious?

The row between Novak Djokovic and Channel 9

Last week, Tony Jones was live on air, covering the Australian Open from Melbourne Park. While he was speaking, he made some unexpected and insulting remarks on the Serbian and his fans. “Welcome back to Melbourne Park, where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans, they’re in full voice. The chants are quite extraordinary,” he began before targeting the former World No.1 and 2024 Paris Olympics Gold medalist. “Novak, he’s overrated,” he said as reported by ABC.net on January 19.

But he didn’t stop there and added that “Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out.” before concluding by saying, “Boy, I’m glad they (Serbian fans) can’t hear me. Anyway, let’s get onto the tennis.”

Novak Djokovic now wants a public apology from him. Or else, the crowd won’t get to see him speak in any of his subsequent matches at the 2025 Australian Open down under. Speaking of which, he’s made it into the last eight of the coveted tournament. After besting Czechia’s Lehecka in straight sets, he will be up against former World No.1 and four-time Major champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Undoubtedly, it’s going to be an epic showdown between two of the biggest tennis stars. Djokovic will try to edge out the Spaniard in order to take one step closer to his 25th Grand Slam title. On the other hand, Alcaraz will try to fight it out, reach the next round and hopefully the title clash, to lift his first Australian Open trophy and complete a Career Slam at 21. Whose dreams will take flight after the quarterfinal battle on Monday? Only time will tell. What’s your prediction for these two? Let us know in the comments below.