Novak Djokovic refused to speak to the legendary Jim Courier, shunning the customary on-court interview after his fourth-round win at Australian Open 2025. Djokovic, who appeared upset with a few hecklers in the crowd at Rod Laver Arena, left fans and pundits puzzled by his decision not to speak to broadcasters following his straight-sets victory over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday, January 19.
Djokovic took the microphone from Jim Courier and gave a brief address to the crowd before heading back through the tunnel. However, he paused to sign autographs for a few fans waiting with Serbian flags. Djokovic signed match balls and t-shirts despite appearing visibly frustrated.
"Thank you very much for being here tonight. I appreciate your presence and the support. See you next round," Djokovic said, abruptly concluding his speech after the dominant win over the 24th seed Lehecka.
On-air commentators speculated that Djokovic's unhappiness stemmed from hecklers in the crowd. He appeared upset that some spectators had kept talking and passing comments during the third set. Nonetheless, the Melbourne crowd booed Djokovic after he declined to speak with Jim Courier, who seemed taken aback by the Serb's decision.
Djokovic, however, explained later that he boycotted the on-court interview in response to a sports journalist's "insulting comments" about him and Serbian fans last week. He demanded a public apology from both the official broadcasters and the journalist in question, saying he was hurt by the comments. Djokovic vowed to continue boycotting on-court interviews and interactions with Channel 9 until an apology is issued.
BAFFLING, SAYS SANIA
Former Indian tennis player Sania Mirza reflected on the unusual turn of events, saying she found it baffling that Djokovic could hold a grudge against a few individuals in a crowd of 20,000.
"How can you single out a few fans out of a 20,000-strong crowd? I find it baffling," Sania told Sony Sports.
"But, it helps him. By the end of it, I don't think he wanted to be on the court any more," she added.
"It's strange because it (the presenter) was Jim Courier. Usually, Novak is very respectful. I am sure Jim didn't take it to heart. It wasn't a personal thing for him.
"He (Djokovic) must be really bothered by something or somebody for him to not have that. He is a people's champion, usually. He talks a lot and is conversational all the time. I don't know. I am waiting for the press conference," Sania added.
Notably, Djokovic had confronted a heckler who attempted to disrupt his on-court interview after his third-round win against Tomas Machac. On that occasion, Djokovic engaged in light-hearted banter with the man, whom he believed to be drunk
When the heckler made his final attempt of the day to interrupt Djokovic, the tennis champion said: "Sorry, mate, I have a wife."
Djokovic will be fired up to prove a point when he takes on Carlos Alcaraz in what promises to be a blockbuster quarter-final on Tuesday. Djokovic, a 10-time champion, and Alcaraz, the third seed, are meeting early due to the Serb's dip in rankings, which placed them in the same quarter of the men's singles draw. Djokovic leads Alcaraz 4-3 in their head-to-head meetings.
Source: India Today