Jannik Sinner's coach makes feelings known about Novak Djokovic's shock Australian Open interview snub

Jannik Sinner's coach has become the latest to weigh in on Novak Djokovic denying denying an on-court interview after his fourth-round victory at the 2025 Australian Open.

The 10-time champion had stirred up a bit of a storm after storming off the court shortly after defeating Jiri Lehecka on Rod Laver Arena. Jim Courier, the designated on-court interviewer, and the packed stadium crowds were left baffled by the action.

Djokovic later explained that his actions came as a response to a Channel Nine (the official Australian Open broadcaster) anchor disrespecting him and Serbian fans during a broadcast earlier in the week. For the unitiated, the Serb was referring to Tony Jones, who, during a segment aired during the tournament, was seen mocking enthusiastic Serbian fans by gesturing at them calling Djokovic "overrated" and a "has been".

Reacting to the controversy in an interview with the ESPN, Jannik Sinner's coach, Darren Cahill, has come to Djokovic's defence. While explaining Tony Jones' history with sarcastic and comedic sports commentary. Cahill dubbed the broadcaster's actions as "inappropriate". He went on to add the Serb was well within his rights to demand an apology.

"Tony Jones works in Nine News here in Melbourne," Darren Cahill said. "He hosts a footy show, which is quite funny, laughing breakdown football shoe for Australian Rules Football, which is quite popular here. He's been in the industry for years."

"And I'm sure Tony was trying to be funny but it was inappropriate and I don't blame Novak Djokovic for waiting for an apology," he added.

Cahill was also quick to remind the viewers about Djokovic's infamous run-in with the Australian government in 2021 when he tried to enter the season's Slam without taking the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine.

"In fact, with what Novak Djokovic went through during the Covid year back here as well, considering how badly the government here treated him and then sent home without being able to play," Darren Cahill said. "He is well within his rights to be asking for an apology."

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Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner still on path to final showdown at 2025 Australian Open

Novak Djokovic at the 2025 Australian Open. (Source: Getty)

Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, meanwhile, continue to stay on course for a showdown in the Australian Open final. Both men have booked spots in the quarterfinals.

Djokovic came through a straight-sets win over Jiri Lehecka in his fourth round match. He has dropped two sets en-route to the last-eight, against Nishesh Basavareddy and Jamie Faria in his opening two matches.

Sinner, meanwhile, was also a straight-sets victor in his last match. He beat Marcos Giron 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. Notably, he had ended Djokovic's pursuit of an 11th Australian Open title in the semifinals last year and ending up lifting the trophy.