Novak Djokovic has just secured an Australian Open quarter-final spot, but the Serbian has come under fire for his immediate post-match actions.
Former ATP number one Djokovic clinched a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(7-4) win over Jiri Lehecka in round four, setting up a quarter-final meeting with Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic wants more entertainment in tennis as he chases a record 25th Grand Slam title, having failed to lift a Grand Slam trophy last season.
The 37-year-old is also seeking a 100th ATP Tour title and a record-extending 11th Australian Open title in Melbourne.
Djokovic has been praised by Jannik Sinner for his efforts on the court, but many tennis fans have been angered following his latest match.
Novak Djokovic under fire from fans after cancelling Australian Open on-court interview
The Serbian failed to conduct an on-court interview with former world number one Jim Courier, instead taking the microphone and saying: “Thank you very much for being here tonight. I appreciate your presence and the support and I’ll see you next round, thank you very much.”
It was initially met with cheers, but many fans then booed Djokovic as he walked off court, with the criticism having now extended to social media.
One angry fan wrote on X: “Djokovic just shocked everyone with that post-match on-court interview. Well it wasn’t an interview as it turned out. Wonder if it’s got to do with the fans.”
A second fan wrote: “Very poor of Djokovic to not do the post-match interview. So disrespectful to the many fans who were chanting for him throughout the game.”
A third said: “Absolutely classless from Djokovic not to do post-match on-court interview. Hope Alcaraz beats him next round.”
And a fourth bemused fan noted: “Such poor form from Djokovic to not do the post-match interview with Courier.”
Another quizzed fan said: “Djokovic refusing to do an on court interview is weird, and also peak Novak. Tries to be the villain in every scenario.”
And another wrote: “Djokovic just ditched his post-match interview and the crowd booed him off the court. I see why he’s a fan of Danielle Collins.”
Novak Djokovic continues Australian Open drama with lack of post-match interview
Novak Djokovic has quite a history with the Australian Open, with his 10 titles at the event more than any other man.
But he was famously banned from playing at the 2022 Australian Open for refusing to be vaccinated against Covid.
The tennis icon was deported from the country on the eve of the tournament, but his three-year ban was ultimately overturned.
Djokovic returned the following year and went on to lift the trophy for a 10th time, beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final, much to the delight of his many followers and indeed tennis fans in general.
The reasoning behind his latest Melbourne drama remains to be seen, but plenty of fans simply aren’t happy with the lack of post-match interview.
Djokovic may or may not justify his reasoning, which he is entitled to, while he was seemingly irritated by certain fans against Lehecka at Rod Laver Arena.
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