Why Novak Djokovic decided this was the moment to stand up to the hate

Kevin Palmer
Novak Djokovic and broadcaster Tony Jones
Novak Djokovic and broadcaster Tony Jones

Novak Djokovic gave up on his bid to win popularity contests long ago, but he has every right to demand some respect in what may be the final chapters of his career.

The 24-time Grand Slam legend has been heckled, jeered and lambasted by tennis fans and the world’s media throughout his career, with some of the controversies he has been caught up in on and off the court sparking that abuse.

Djokovic has suggested his biggest crime may have been his success in breaking up the monopoly of the enduringly popular Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as the kings of the men’s game, with the third member of this rivalry an unwanted intruder for those enjoying the Roger and Rafa show.

Then there was the contentious deportation from Australia over his Covid vaccine stance in 2022 and a handful of other moments when those eager to find fault in Djokovic were given an excuse to pour on the hate.

After years of biting his tongue and trying to do his best to insist the abuse was not annoying him, Djokovic has responded to his critics in recent years and openly used their attacks to fuel his drive for more success.

He admits abuse from the stands fires his burners in the heat of battle on court and we have seen that story play out again at this year’s Australian Open, as he has hit back at individual intent on trying to antagonise one of sport’s all-time greats.

Yet it takes something extraordinary for Djokovic to make the kind of public stand he has taken against Australian broadcaster Channel 9, after their bash broadcaster Tony Jones mocked the most successful player in Australian Open history live on air.

Jones controversially described the 37-year-old as “overrated” and a “has-been” when on air and he also revived the“kick him out” jibe used against Djokovic when the Australian public and leading politicians were calling for his removal over the vaccine issue three years ago.

Crucially, Djokovic viewed the controversial TV moment as an act of disrespect to his passionate fans and has decided not to take part in on court interviews with Channel 9 until he receives an apology.

He was quick to explain why he opted against speaking to Jim Courier in his role working for Channel 9 after his win against Jiri Lehecka with a statement on his social media account.

“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 Australian Open – Channel 9 – decided to mock Serbian fans, and he made insulting and offensive comments towards me.

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“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.

“I know that a lot of people wanted to hear me speak so I apologise for everyone in the stadium not being able to hear me speak, and on the TV as well.

“That’s the main reason and I have to stand by my decision and hold these stands until something is done. I leave it to Channel 9 and hopefully that situation will change for the next match.”

Djokovic has made it a little too easy for his critics to attack him down the years, but this time he was right to take a stand, especially as he saw it as an attack on his supporters in Melbourne.

The 10-time Australian Open champion views the small and loyal collection of flag-waving Serbian supporters as part of his ‘Nole family’ and any hint that they were being disrespected would inspire a fierce reaction from Djokovic.

By politely declining the chance to speak to Courier and addressing the reasons why in the manner he has done, Djokovic made his stand and belatedly, the apology came from the broadcaster.

“I considered it to be humour, which is consistent with most things I do,” said Jones. “Having said that, I was made aware on Saturday morning from Tennis Australia via the Djokovic camp that the Djokovic camp was not happy at all with those comments.

“As such, I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them. And as I stand here now, I stand by that apology to Novak.

“They come here with the flags and they provide so much colour and so much passion and there was banter, so I thought what I was doing was an extension of that banter,” he said. “Quite clearly that hasn’t been interpreted that way. So I do feel as though I’ve let down the Serbian fans.”

Jones made a mistake and probably didn’t appreciate how much of a sore point he was pressing when he mocked those Serbian fans.

Djokovic will now resume his full media duties and will do so with the grace and charm he has always exuded on court, yet this incident should be a reminder that the time has come to show him a little more respect.

Federer and Nadal have retired, the controversies of yesteryear are now banished to the history books and we should cherish this great champion for as long as we still have him in our sport.

Not for the first time in his career, this was a battle Djokovic won.

Now he can set his sights on the bigger prize of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title and the crowding moment of his remarkable career.

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