Novak Djokovic moves on from Channel 9 feud after apology, focuses on blockbuster Carlos Alcaraz clash at Australian Open

Novak Djokovic has put his feud with Channel Nine behind him after the Australian broadcaster issued an apology for comments that the 24-time Grand Slam champion deemed "insulting and offensive." The Serb has turned focus towards his blockbuster clash against Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.

The controversy stemmed from Channel Nine’s Tony Jones shouting remarks such as “Novak, he's overrated, Novak's a has-been, Novak kick him out” towards Serbian fans during a live broadcast at the Australian Open on Friday.

Djokovic, visibly upset by the comments, refused to participate in his usual on-court interview following his fourth-round win over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday. Speaking afterward, the 37-year-old expressed his displeasure, stating that Jones made "insulting and offensive comments" and mocked the Serbian fans.

In response, Jones explained that he considered his remarks to be harmless "banter." He also claimed that he reached out to the 24-time Grand Slam champion's camp and issued an apology, acknowledging that he had "overstepped the mark."

Recently, Tennis Australia confirmed that Djokovic had accepted the public apology, stating:

"Novak acknowledges the apology has been given in public as requested and is now moving on and focusing on his next match."

Looking ahead, the Serb is now fully focused on his blockbuster quarterfinal clash against Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the sport's biggest names.

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Novak Djokovic leads head-to-head against Carlos Alcaraz going into their Australian Open 2025 QF

Novak Djokovic (L) and Carlos Alcaraz at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 - Source: Getty

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have faced off seven times on tour with the Serb leading 4-3. Their 2025 Australian Open clash is the first encounter between them which is not a semifinal or a final.

In 2024, they contested the Wimbledon final, which was won by Alcaraz, and the Paris Olympics gold medal match, which was won by Djokovic. Ahead of their first Melbourne clash, Alcaraz said he tries not to think about the Serb's achievements before playing him.

"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 as number one—he has almost broken every record in tennis.I try not to think about that and just focus on beating him," Carlos Alcaraz said.

"I know my weapons, that I'm able to play good tennis against him, that I'm able to beat him, so that's all I'm thinking about. Every player or the best players think when they're facing Novak. Just playing and believing in themselves," he added.

The quarterfinal will be played at the Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday, January 21.