"The audacity to call Novak Djokovic overrated is insane" - Victoria Azarenka comes to Serb's defense amid Australian Open drama

Victoria Azarenka has shown her support for Novak Djokovic amid the controversy surrounding his Australian Open situation. The duo share a good bond and have been there for each other in the past.

On January 19, Djokovic took on Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round of the Australian Open. Despite facing boos from the crowd at Rod Laver Arena, the Serb remained composed and secured a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) victory.

The Serb made a surprising decision to skip his on-court interview with Jim Courier following his match. He later explained that his decision was a response to comments made by Tony Jones, a reporter for Channel 9, the official broadcaster of the tournament.

Jones had made a controversial remark about Djokovic and his Serbian fans.

"Back to Melbourne Park, where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans there in full voice. The chants are quite extraordinary. Novak, he's overated! Novak's a has-been! Novak, kick him out! Boy I'm glad they can't hear me," Jones said.

Later on Sunday, Victoria Azarenka expressed her support for Novak Djokovic. She took to X (formerly Twitter) to call out the Channel 9 reporter, saying:

“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!”

Azarenka also participated at the Australian Open 2025 but was knocked out in the first round. She faced Italy's Lucia Brozetti and was ultimately defeated in a tough contest, with a scoreline of 2-6, 6-7(2).

Novak Djokovic demands apology for ‘insults’ and ‘mockery of Serbian fans’

2025 Australian Open - Day 8 - Source: Getty

Novak Djokovic called for an apology from the reporter who mocked Serbian fans and insulted him. During the post-match press conference following his fourth-round win over Jiri Lehecka, the Serb addressed the disrespect he had encountered, stating:

"Couple days ago, a famous sports journalist, who works for official broadcaster Channel 9 in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me.”

He chose not to give any on-court interviews to Channel 9 until he received an apology from the Australian television network.

“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,” he said.

The Serb added:

“I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public. It was a very awkward situation for me to face on the court today. It’s unfortunate I chose to say something to the crowd, but obviously it wasn’t the time and space or situation for me to explain what I’m doing right now. I leave it to Channel Nine to handle this the way they think they see fit. That’s all.”

After his victory over Lehecka, the Serbian player moved on to the quarterfinals. This victory brings him one step closer to his goal of reaching his 25th Grand Slam title. He will face Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday, January 21.