In a surprising turn of events during the Australian Open 2025, tennis star Novak Djokovic decided to skip a post-match interview after a disagreement with Channel 9 commentator Tony Jones. Djokovic’s decision came after Jones made some unkind remarks about the Serbian player and his supporters. Instead of addressing the media, Djokovic addressed fans directly, expressing his discontent and insisting on an apology from the channel.
Djokovic’s Reaction to Comments
It all started when Djokovic won his match against Jiri Lehecka, a victory that saw him move on to the quarterfinals of the prestigious tournament. After the win, Djokovic was expected to speak to Jim Courier during the interview. However, he chose to pass on the opportunity, citing the offensive comments made by Tony Jones as his reason. Jones had called Djokovic overrated and a has-been, comments that did not sit well with the champion.
Addressing the Crowd
Instead of participating in the scheduled interview, Djokovic faced the crowd. He explained his feelings about the derogatory remarks, emphasizing how they were disrespectful not just to him but also to his Serbian fans. Djokovic made sure to communicate his thoughts directly, turning the moment into a public statement about respect and dignity.
Next Up: Carlos Alcaraz
Looking ahead, Djokovic is gearing up to face Carlos Alcaraz in what promises to be an exhilarating quarterfinal match. Alcaraz comes into this matchup after advancing due to Jack Draper’s retirement in their previous match. Both players are aware of the stakes: Djokovic is chasing his 11th Australian Open title, while Alcaraz aims to become the youngest player with a career Grand Slam.
Past Matchups and Tension
This upcoming battle is set to be their eighth career meeting. In their previous encounters, Djokovic leads with four victories against Alcaraz’s three wins. Alcaraz, who is yet to defeat Djokovic on hard courts, will be looking to change that narrative. The anticipation surrounding this match is immense, especially since it represents their first showdown at the Australian Open.
The Competitive Spirit
Djokovic and Alcaraz have faced off under varying circumstances and surfaces. Their last meeting resulted in Djokovic’s victory in a grueling three-hour final at the Cincinnati Open, which added heat to their rivalry. Both players displayed respect for one another, indicating that they expect an intense and competitive match ahead. Fans are already buzzing at the idea of witnessing yet another remarkable chapter in this heated rivalry.
| Player | Wins | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|
| Novak Djokovic | 4 | 7 |
| Carlos Alcaraz | 3 | 7 |
As the time for their quarterfinal clash approaches, Djokovic’s bold decision to boycott the interview has made headlines, but it’s the upcoming match against Alcaraz that everyone is eagerly awaiting. The excitement is palpable, and tennis fans are in for a thrilling showdown!