Headlines always make headlines every time Novak Djokovic contests the Australian Open.
And it’s not always because of his exploits on the court.
During the trophy presentation after winning his first main at Melbourne Park in 2008, Djokovic became enraged when he claimed the crowd wanted his opponent Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to “win more”.
Ahead of the 2021 Australian Open, he was criticized for writing a letter to tournament director Craig Tiley requesting the easing of COVID quarantine restrictions for players.
It attracted reaction from the Australian public amid the pandemic, while Nick Kyrgios, now a friend of Djokovic, described the Serb at the time as a “tool”.
Djokovic later attempted to defuse the situation by saying he had “good intentions” and that his approach to Tiley was “misinterpreted as selfish, difficult and ungrateful.”
This was not liked by his critics.
Djokovic’s stance before his visa cancellation in 2022 also earned him few supporters, although even some of his harshest critics, including Kyrgios, were baffled by how the champion was treated.
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And just two weeks ago, on the eve of the start of this year’s Australian Open, the 24-time Grand Slam champion sparked controversy when he alleged he was “poisoned” by food he ate while detained during the visa saga.
One of Kyrgios’ main criticisms of Djokovic before they became best friends after 2022 was that Djokovic had “an unhealthy obsession with wanting to be liked.”
“He just wants to be like Roger (Federer). … I feel like he wants to please so much that I can’t stand it,” Kyrgios said in 2019.
But on the last two trips to Australia, whether resigned to not being liked or not caring if he is, Djokovic has adopted a different tone.
Tensions rose in 2023 when his father was expelled for posing with a Russian flag at the height of the invasion of Ukraine, which Djokovic said was “interpreted… in a really wrong way.” In 2024, Djokovic suggested that a heckler in the crowd say it to his face.
Djokovic is looking to achieve a record 25 Grand Slam singles titles. (Getty Images: Shi Tang)
And this year, she sided with American public enemy number one, Danielle Collins, in her feud with the Australian crowd.
“I loved his response. I loved everything she said on and off the court,” Djokovic said after Collins suggested the crowd kiss her butt after her win over qualifier Destanee Aiava.
“After that, I’m a big fan of Danielle Collins. I was before, but now, a big fan. I love it”.
And, halfway through the season-opening main, Djokovic is in the news again.
The ten-time Australian Open winner boycotted his on-court interview following his fourth-round victory over Jiří Lehečka on Sunday night, and his decision was prompted by comments 9 sports reporter Tony Jones made during a match. live in a newsletter on Friday.
With a vocal group of Serbian fans in the background, Jones said Djokovic was “overrated” and “unfashionable.”
Tony Jones apologized for his comments about Djokovic and admitted she “overstepped the line.” (AAP: James Ross)
He also said, “Kick him out,” which Jones, while publicly apologizing to Djokovic on Monday morning, acknowledged was “interpreted as a throwback to the COVID years” when the former world number one was deported from Australia.
Jones tried to pass off the situation as an attempt at “joking,” but Djokovic and his followers were not laughing.
Addressing the media on Sunday night, Djokovic claimed that Jones had “mocked Serbian fans” and found his comments “insulting and offensive”.
He stressed that his anguish was directed at Jones and 9, and not the Australian public.
Members of Australia’s Serbian community share Djokovic’s despair, amid calls for the Human Rights Commission to investigate the incident.
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“This is a current issue and these feelings are real, the trauma is current,” Serbian Council of Australia spokesperson Nina Markovic told ABC Melbourne.
The online reaction has been widespread and Djokovic has received support for his position from many quarters.
But he has also been accused of overreacting, not taking a joke and not understanding the Australian sense of humour.
Djokovic is likely to abandon the boycott of his interviews with 9, now that Jones has publicly apologized.
But the episode once again turned Djokovic into a lightning rod for headlines that do not always have to do with his tennis.
