Novak Djokovic Channel Nine boycott backed amid Tony Jones drama

Novak Djokovic's boycott of the Australian Open host broadcaster has been met with support by some of the sport's biggest names.

The 24-time grand slam champion opted not to give an on-court interview following his fourth-round victory over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday night, instead giving a short statement before departing Rod Laver Arena.

Djokovic later explained his reasons for the move.

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"I would like to just clarify the reason why the interview was not conducted on the court," he said in the press conference.

"A couple days ago the famous sports journalist [Tony Jones] who works for the official broadcaster, Channel Nine 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 Nine. So since they're official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel Nine."

The 10-time Australian Open winner was referring to a bizarre live moment involving Jones on Saturday, in which the media personality was seen standing in front of a group of Djokovic fans, who were singing and waving Serbian flags.

"Welcome back to Melbourne Park, where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans, they're in full voice. The chants are quite extraordinary," Jones said.

Jones then started singing to the pack of fans.

"Novak, he's overrated," he 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."

Djokovic has since found plenty of support for his decision to snub Nine.

The audacity to call Novak Djokovic overrated by a reporter is just insane. The guy literally completed tennis by winning everything you can in our sport!

— victoria azarenka (@vika7) January 19, 2025

That’s actually very disturbing behaviour from a tv broadcaster who works for Channel 9 …does he still have a job for the rest of the tournament? https://t.co/QckIDdQmwb

— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) January 19, 2025

He’s right and he should get an apology! https://t.co/DbG3rkEhH0

— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) January 19, 2025

Even Elon Musk weighed in with his thoughts.

It’s way better just to talk to the public directly than go through the negativity filter of legacy media https://t.co/QYDJXWAC5r

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 19, 2025

The Nine network and Tony Jones are yet to comment on the matter.

Djokovic is due to take on Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter finals on Monday.