Novak Djokovic confirms what he’ll do if the Australian Open decide to fine him for refusing to do on-court interview

Novak Djokovic has soared into another Australian Open quarter-final, but his post-match actions have overshadowed his win over Jiri Lehecka.

Djokovic has been criticised by fans for not conducting an on-court interview after the match, which he won 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(7-4).

The Serbian made a quick speech and signed some autographs before leaving the court, with interviewer Jim Courier left surprised by Djokovic.

Djokovic now moves on from his fourth round drama to a reunion with ATP number three and four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz.

Alcaraz defeated US Open semi-finalist Jack Draper in their round four match, with the Briton having retired hurt.

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Novak Djokovic will accept Australian Open fine refusing on-court interview

All eyes will now be on the highly-anticipated clash between Djokovic and Alcaraz, but there is a potential fine heading the way of the former for his lack of interview at Rod Laver Arena.

He did, however, carry out a post-match press conference, where the Serbian was asked about a conversation he had held with Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley, who is the Australian Open director.

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“It’s exactly what I told you,” Djokovic said in his press conference. “That’s what I told him. I haven’t seen him since that happened. He was communicating with my agent and my team.

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“I just wanted to make sure, as I have a really nice relationship with Craig, I think he’s a phenomenal guy that always tries to help players and understand the players’ needs or demands, so I just wanted to make sure that he knows where I stand and the reasons behind it.

“So I told him, you know, If you guys want to fine me for not giving an on-court interview, that’s okay, I’ll accept that because I feel like this is something that needs to be done. That’s all there is to it.”

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Novak Djokovic says why he didn’t conduct Australian Open post-match interview

Djokovic was quick to justify his actions in his post-match press conference, having made a statement before any questions were asked.

And it focused on a recent segment from Channel 9’s Tony Jones, who sang about the Serbian in front of a group of his chanting fans in Melbourne, saying: “Novak, he’s overrated, he’s a has-been, kick him out… I’m glad they can’t hear me.”

Djokovic perhaps unsurprisingly took offence to the comments, in a bid to defend both himself and his fanbase.

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The Serbian stated: “I would like to just clarify the reason why the interview was not conducted on the court, the post-match interview, like it’s a common, usual practice.

“A couple of days ago a famous sports journalist who works for an official broadcaster, Channel 9 here in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me.

“And 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.

“I have nothing against Jim Courier or neither 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 wasn’t the time and space or situation for me to explain what I’m doing right now. I leave it to Channel 9 to handle this the way they think they see fit. That’s all.”

And asked if his stance will continue until he receives an apology from Channel 9, he replied: “Yes, exactly.”

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