Australian Open 2025 Day 8: Novak Djokovic books QF showdown with Carlos Alcaraz

Novak Djokovic says ‘insulting’ comments by broadcaster Tony Jones made a ‘mockery’ of him and Serbian fans, and was the reason he refused an on-court interview after his win over Jiri Lehecka.

Novak Djokovic has demanded an apology from Channel 9 and host Tony Jones for “insulting and offensive comments” towards him.

The 10-time Australian Open champion refused to do the regular post-match interview with Jim Courier after his fourth-round victory over Czech Jiri Lehecka as a protest against the host broadcaster.

He met with tournament boss Craig Tiley immediately after the match and then opened his press conference by explaining the snub and launching a tirade at Jones.

“I would like to just clarify the reason why the interview was not conducted on the court, the post-match interview, like it’s a common, usual practice,” Djokovic said.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia leaves Rod Laver Arena after declining an on-court interview. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“Couple days ago the famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster, Channel 9 here in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me.

“And since then, he chose not to issue any public apology. Neither did Channel 9. So since they’re official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9.

I have nothing against Jim Courier or neither the Australian public. It was a very awkward situation for me to face on the court today. It’s unfortunate I chose to say something to the crowd, but obviously it wasn’t the time and space or situation for me to explain what I’m doing right now.

“I leave it to Channel 9 to handle this the way they think they see fit. That’s all.”

On his conversation with Tiley, Djokovic said: “It’s exactly what I told you. That’s what I told him. I haven’t seen him since that happened. He was communicating with my agent and my team.

“I just wanted to make sure, as I have a really nice relationship with Craig, I think he’s a phenomenal guy that always tries to help players and understand the players’ needs or demands, so I just wanted to make sure that he knows where I stand and the reasons behind it.

Novak Djokovic told Craig Tiley if they want to fine him for not doing an on-court interview at Australian Open, that’s ok:

“If you guys want to fine me, I'll accept that 'cause I feel this is something that needs to be done.’ That's all there is to it”

pic.twitter.com/cVMOe2ygFI

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 19, 2025

“So I told him, you know, If you guys want to fine me for not giving an on-court interview, that’s okay, I’ll accept that ‘cause I feel like this is something that needs to be done.”

Jones angered Djokovic’s supporters on Friday night when he engaged with them as he was reading the sports news for Nine’s evening bulletin live from Melbourne Park.

“Welcome back to Melbourne Park, where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans, they’re in full voice,” Jones said.

“The chants are quite extraordinary,” he added, before firing a few bold sledges back to the Djokovic fans.

“Novak, he’s overrated,” Jones sang. “Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out. Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me. Anyway, let’s get onto the tennis.”

As he finished his bulletin, Jones said: “Alright that wraps it up from Melbourne Park. Somehow I’m going to have to get out of here.

“No we’re fine, we had selfies. I told them I was Clint Stanaway.”

The clip of the exchange went viral on social media with viewers not happy with Jones including Australian doubles legend Paul McNamee who wrote on X: “Tony I’m surprised, especially as you work for the host broadcaster, that you would send up a bunch of Aussies (with European heritage) having a good time celebrating their 10-time AO champion … trying to be funny mate?”

Serbia's Novak Djokovic signs a fan's t-shirt depicting his behind bars with a kangaroo cop after his men's singles match against Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka. Picture: David Gray/AFP.

Jones also fell foul of American Danielle Collins earlier in the week when he called her a “brat” after she revved up the Australian crowd in her second round win over Destanee Aiava.

Collins hit back on social media and then after her loss to Madison Keys on Saturday night she issued a challenge to Jones.

“I love this old guy, Tony Jones ... I just love how he called me a brat. It’s just so Gen Z and Millennial right now with Charli XCX,” she said.

“I really want him to do the dance. He has to do it. I really want to get one-on-one with him, and we got to do the dance.”

Jones later accepted Collins’ Brat dance challenge, on one condition - that she do it with him.

DJOKOVIC INTO QUARTER FINALS FOR 15TH TIME

The first heavyweight final of the Australian Open has been booked in thanks to another clinical Novak Djokovic performance.

Chasing an 11th title at Melbourne Park, the Serbian superstar rolled through his fourth round match, easily taking care of Czech Jiri Lehecka 6-3 6-4 7-6 (4) in 2hr 39min on Rod Laver Arena.

It sets up a dream quarter-final with Djokovic to take on No.3 seed Carlos Alcaraz, who beat him in last year’s Wimbledon final.

One of the main talking points in the lead-up will be Djokovic’s deteriorating relationship with the Aussie fans.

In a bizarre turn of events, he didn’t take part in the usual post-match interview, instead taking the microphone off Jim Courier and making a brief statement.

For the second match in a row Djokovic became distracted with some rowdy fans inside Rod Laver Arena.

Novak Djokovic did not do a post-match interview after his win at Australian Open.

He gave a quick statement, signed some autographs, and was booed by some of the crowd as he left.

pic.twitter.com/6kOG5LYCLP

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 19, 2025

When things got tight in the third set, the No.7 seed lost his cool with fans yelling out during points, pausing a number of times and also requesting the umpire to become involved.

Chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani then stepped in saying: “Please show your support but don’t disturb the players please, for both players,” he told the packed crowd, receiving cheers in return.

Djokovic had similar issues in his third-round match and afterwards took a swipe at fans by saying he loved what Danielle Collins had done the previous evening by giving it back to them after she defeated Aussie Destanee Aiava.

It adds even more drama to his clash with Alcaraz who was the beneficiary of a walkover in his fourth round contest against Englishman Jack Draper who retired because of injury after losing the first two sets.

Novak Djokovic during his 4th round match against Jiri Lehecka. Picture: Michael Klein

On the prospect of playing Djokovic, who won their last meeting in the gold medal match at the Paris Olympics, he said: “This is not the right player to play in the quarter-final.

“But facing Novak, for me it’s not going to change anything if I’m playing him on quarte-rfinal or sem-ifinal. Probably change a little bit if it is a final obviously.

“Being in a quarterfinal, I’m going to approach the match the same as I did in the previous matches against him, and let’s see.”

The reigning Wimbledon and French Open champion said he tried not to think about Djokovic’s incredible career when facing him at the opposite end of the net.

“I’m trying not to think about that. If I think about everything he has done in tennis, I couldn’t play. I mean, 24 Grand Slams, the most weeks at No. 1, everything,” Alcaraz said.

“He almost broke every record in tennis. I’m trying not to think about that when I’m in the match. I’m just trying to think that I’m able to beat him.

“I know my weapons. I know that I’m able to play good tennis against him, I’m able to beat him. That’s all I’m thinking when I’m facing him.”

Djokovic does hold a 4-3 head-to-head advantage over Alcaraz.

After a slow start to the tournament, there is no doubt the all-time great has lifted his level and hasn’t dropped a set in his past two outings against a pair of Czechs Lehecka and Tomas Machac.

Recap all the action from the day in our live blog below.

Originally published as Australian Open 2025 Day 8: Novak Djokovic books QF showdown with Carlos Alcaraz