Novak Djokovic has been defended by Serbia's Davis Cup captain and former teammate Viktor Troicki after Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones caused outrage.
Reporting his usual daily sports bulletin for Channel 9 news, Jones spoke in front of Serbian fans at Melbourne Park, calling Djokovic "overrated" and a "has-been" before mentioning the words, "kick him out".
After Djokovic's fourth-round win at the Australian Open, the 37-year-old refused to participate in an on-court interview with Jim Courier, later explaining to the media that Jones was the reason.
"Couple days ago, the famous sports journalist who works for [the] official broadcaster, Channel 9 here in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me," he said.
"Since then, he chose not to issue any public apology. Neither did Channel 9. So since they're official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9."
The comments caused public outrage on social media, going as far as the Serbian Council of Australia submitting a formal complaint to the Human Rights Commission.
Troicki, former world No.12 and now Davis Cup captain for Serbia, blasted Jones for his lack of professionalism.
"There was the situation around Channel 9, which I noticed as well. If I had hired that journalist (Tony Jones), I would have fired him straight away. He would never work in sports again," Troicki told Bolavip.
"To mock an athlete during the tournament is unacceptable. I don't think an apology is enough. I think he should be banned for life from covering tennis."
Djokovic made world headlines in 2022 when he was deported from Australia after having his COVID medical exemption declined by the Australian government.
After that moment, Troicki believes Djokovic hasn't been treated the same ever since.
"I think they are treating Novak worse and worse. It is surprising and disappointing to see the greatest player of all time experiencing so many bad things happening in Australia again," he said.
"After COVID and what they did to him a few years ago, it has never been the same.
"They were booing him after the injury [against Alexander Zverev], which I don't think happens in any sport. Not even in football, where the crowd is normally more wild. When someone gets injured in football, even an opponent, they will applaud you and wish you to get better.
"That's why it was surprising to see, especially in a place where he has played his best tennis and has won 10 titles, that he got booed after the injury. It was really disrespectful and disappointing.
"They are booing him in the crowd, which was not happening before in Australia. I think they were admiring his results more and greeting the champion with more respect in the past."
An MRI scan revealed the extent of Djokovic's hamstring tear, ruling him out of his nation's Davis Cup qualifier against Denmark on the weekend.
Experience the perfect blend of passion and performance at Racquet World, the ultimate destination for tennis enthusiasts throughout Australia. Explore their extensive selection of Tennis, Padel, and Pickleball gear. For all First Serve listeners by entering the code TFS2025 you will receive 15% off the RRP on all non-sale items at their online store - www.racquetworld.com.au
Comments