Boris Becker makes his position clear on Novak Djokovic's Australian Open row with "very disturbing" broadcaster

Novak Djokovic has been at the center of headlines at the ongoing 2025 Australian Open, as the Serb refused his on-court interview after his match. His former coach Boris Becker has come into his defense, severely criticizing the broadcaster's comments which is the cause behind the whole scenario.

In an unusual scene, Novak Djokovic walked off the court without giving the customary on-court interview after his victory against Jiri Lehecka in the round of 16. The Serb later clarified that his actions were in response to the insulting and mocking comments made by Channel Nine broadcaster Tony Jones.

Jones, a veteran Australian journalist was recorded on live television, aggressively taunting the Serbian fans during the daily coverage of the Melbourne Major. In a sing-song voice, the Australian chimed that Djokovic was a spent force and should be kicked out of the tournament.

Djokovic's former coach and tennis legend Boris Becker came in defense of the Serb. The former German player severely criticized the comments made by Jones. terming it as "disturbing behavior". Becker enquired if Jones was still in his position on the broadcasting team.

"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?" said Becker on X (formerly Twitter)

Djokovic has claimed that his stance will remain the same till he receives an appropriate apology from Jones or the organization. The Serb has even welcomed the imposition of fines on him for refusal to do the on-court interviews.

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Novak Djokovic had a three-year partnership with Boris Becker

Novak Djokovic began his coaching collaboration with Boris Becker at the end of the 2013 season. In three subsequent seasons, the Serbian player reached one of his absolute peaks.

The Djokovic-Becker partnership saw the Serb secure 25 titles in three years, including six Major title wins. The former World No. 1 won the elusive French Open title in 2016 under the tutelage of Becker.

Of the three seasons under the German's coaching, Djokovic finished as the World No.1 player in both the 2014 and 2015 seasons. After his victory at Roland Garros in 2016, the Serb held all four Majors at the same. In 2015, he also won 6 Masters 1000 titles, which was the most for a player in a season.

However, Djokovic lost the year-end No.,1 ranking to his present-day coach Andy Murray in 2016. The end of that season saw the Serb split from Becker as his coach.