"Where are Novak Djokovic haters?"; "Absolutely horrible journalism" - Fans react to Serb revealing reason behind Australian Open interview saga

Novak Djokovic revealing his reasons behind snubbing his on-court interview at the 2025 Australian Open has sparked reactions from tennis fans. After decimating Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-4, 7-6(4) in the fourth round, Jim Courier awaited the Serb to interview him. However, he gave a short thank you message to the crowd at the Rod Laver Arena but didn't stay back for a full-fledged interview.

Fans started speculating about why the 37-year-old did such a thing with some thinking it was mind games ahead of his blockbuster Carlos Alcaraz, while some thought it was because of the crowd's heckling. To know Djokovic's reasoning, you have to go some days back when Tony Jones mocked the Serbian crowd by calling their champion 'overrated' and 'has been.'

The 24-time Major champion explained during his press conference that he had nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian crowd but said he wouldn't be doing any interviews for Channel 9 until Jones makes a public apology for mocking his countrymen.

Fans agreed with the Serb's decision and reacted to it on X (formerly Twitter). One fan questioned people deducing Djokovic's actions as mind games. Though the 10-time Australian Open champion refrained from giving an on-court interview, the Serb stayed back to sign autographs for his fans.

"Now where are Djokovic haters who were saying he didn’t do the interview because he was playing mind games before the Alcaraz match?" the fan questioned.

Another fan dubbed Jones' journalism 'absolutely horrible'.

"It's appalling that the channel didn't apologise after this. Absolutely horrible journalism. Novak did the right thing. He thanked the crowd for the support and left. Explained the situation in the main presser. It's appalling how some Australian people treat him," a fan lashed out.

Here are some other reactions from tennis fans.

"Do some journalists think before they talk? I mean you can dislike Djokovic but calling him overrated is not true," a fan opined.

"Very well done by Novak such unprofessional behavior doesnt deserve his time," a fan praised.

"Don’t blame him. The way he was treated during the pandemic was shameful and seems like this has continued," a fan said.

"He is 100% right. Tony Jones’ actions were disrespectful, in a serious media organisation he would face consequences and even lose his job. Channel 9 needs to take action and show that such unacceptable behaviour has no place on its broadcasting," a fan claimed.

His actions shouldn't come as a surprise to the tennis fraternity as the Serb has famously said,

“Stand up for what you believe in, even if it means standing alone.”

Up next, the 37-year-old will face an opponent who reminds him of his biggest rival Rafael Nadal.

Novak Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz in Australian Open 2025 QF

2025 Australian Open - Day 8 - Source: Getty

Ahead of his eighth match against Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic said his matches against the 21-year-old reminded him of his legendary rivalry with Rafael Nadal during his post-match press conference.

"We had some long battles, long exchanges, kind of matches that I played against him, reminds me of my matchups versus Nadal in terms of the intensity and the energy on the court," the Serb said.

The Serb is heading into his match against the Spaniard with a 4-3 lead in their overall head-to-head and a 2-0 lead on the hard courts. On top of that, he is a 10-time champion in Australia while Alcaraz is looking for his first title.

The winner of their match will face either Tommy Paul or Alexander Zverev in the semifinals.