Australian Open broadcasters called out over Novak Djokovic ‘bias’

Tennis fans were quick to blast the Australian Open host broadcasters over their love affair with Novak Djokovic on Friday.

Channel 9 called out over Novak Djokovic bias. (Photo by David GRAY / AFP)

Tennis fans weren’t happy with the commentary crew during Friday’s semi-final showdown between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner.

The Serbian entered the contest as the heavy favourite, but it was Sinner who came out guns blazing and put the world number one on the back foot.

Despite dropping the third set in a tie-breaker after claiming a match point, Sinner claimed an enormous 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-3 victory, ending Djokovic’s hunt for a 11th Australian Open title.

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Fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing as the 22-year-old Italian raced away to claim the opening two sets in a little over 70 minutes.

The world number four, who hadn’t dropped a set all tournament, looked an unstoppable force as he punished his rival all over the court.

He simply could do no wrong as he stormed clear with a two sets to love lead.

But fans watching on from home weren’t happy with the host broadcasters commentators as they focused more on Djokovic instead of praising the stellar play of the world No. 4.

One user wrote: “Commentators keep mentioning this game is unbelievable in regard to Novak losing. Um I don’t think they realise that Sinner beat Novak before this tournament and hasn’t dropped a set this whole tournament. GOAT bias right here!!! Noone can believe someone is betting him.”

Another added: “Loser commentators for this tennis match no credit for sinner all excuses for Novak and saying their stunned.”

A third wrote: “Anyone keeping track of how many excuses the commentators have made for Novak so far??”

No wonder how bias @AustralianOpen commentator are. Sinner is playing at his peak and 2 sets up even though the commentators are solely praising Novak on every odd points rather than praising the young lad sinner #Hypocrites@AustralianOpen#SinnerDjokovic

— Sufi (@sufiyanZhaoor) January 26, 2024

During that first set the commentators were awed into silence while Sinner swept Djokovic away.
Reading between the lines, I suspect Sam Smith and John Millman are backing Novak, and Jim Courier is much more balanced, and leaning toward Jannik. Am I right? 🤷‍♂️#AusOpen

— Jeff the Nemophilist* ☘🌲🦘🌳🦉 📖🎾🦜 (@JeffMNeale) January 26, 2024

Sinner was at his unstoppable best throughout the opening two sets as he swept the Serbian aside in ruthless fashion.

But as he's done far too often throughout his career, Djokovic regained his composure and began to fight back in the third set.

A tense battle began to unfold as both men traded barbs while those in attendance got in the corner of the Serb with heavy fan support coming his way.

Sinner held a match point in the third set tie-break, but couldn’t capitalise and with the door left open Djokovic forced his way in and sent the match into a fourth set.

Djokovic refuses to lay down. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)

Djokovic deployed his mind game tactics ahead of the fourth set as he left the court to change his outfit, taking more than seven minutes between points.

The 24-time grand slam winner took all the time in the world as Sinner bounced around on his toes behind the baseline waiting for his opponent.

As he emerged from the tunnel the fans broke out into applause as the match got back underway.

Sinner claimed the first win of the fourth set when he broke Djokovic’s serve in the fourth service game.

He then held his nerve despite a monster fightback from the 10-time Australian Open winner to hold serve and take a 4-1 lead, before serving out the match.

Originally published as Australian Open broadcasters called out over Novak Djokovic ‘bias’