Headlines are by no means far-off from being written at any time when Novak Djokovic contests the Australian Open.
And it is not at all times for his exploits on courtroom.
In the course of the trophy presentation after profitable his first main at Melbourne Park in 2008, Djokovic put noses out of joint when he claimed the gang needed his opponent Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to “win extra”.
Earlier than the 2021 Australian Open, he was criticised for penning a letter to event director Craig Tiley, requesting the easing of COVID quarantine restrictions for gamers.
It attracted a backlash from an Australian public within the grips of the pandemic, whereas Nick Kyrgios — now a good friend of Djokovic — described the Serbian on the time as a “instrument”.
Djokovic later tried to appease the state of affairs by saying he had “good intentions” and his method to Tiley was “misconstrued as being egocentric, tough and ungrateful”.
This did not wash along with his critics.
Djokovic’s stance forward of his visa cancellation in 2022 additionally received him few supporters, though even a few of his most vocal critics, together with Kyrgios, had been bowled over by how the champion was handled.
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And as just lately as two weeks in the past, on the eve of this 12 months’s Australian Open kicking off, the 24-time main champion triggered controversy when he alleged he was “poisoned” by the meals he ate whereas detained in the course of the visa saga.
One in every of Kyrgios’s main digs at Djokovic earlier than they grew to become greatest mates post-2022, was that Djokovic had “a sick obsession with eager to be preferred”.
“He simply desires to be like Roger [Federer]. … I really feel like he simply desires to be preferred a lot that I simply cannot stand him,” Kyrgios mentioned in 2019.
However up to now couple of journeys to Australia, both resigned to not being preferred or now not caring if he’s, Djokovic has struck a unique tone.
Tensions rose in 2023 when his father was kicked out for posing with a Russian flag on the peak of the invasion of Ukraine, which Djokovic mentioned was “interpreted … in a extremely improper manner”. In 2024, Djokovic prompt a heckler within the crowd come say it to his face.
Djokovic is eyeing a document twenty fifth grand slam singles title. (Getty Photos: Shi Tang)
And this 12 months, he sided with American public enemy primary Danielle Collins in her feud with the Australian crowd.
“I cherished her response. I cherished it, every part she mentioned on the courtroom, off the courtroom,” Djokovic mentioned after Collins prompt the gang kiss her bottom after her win over qualifier Destanee Aiava.
“Massive fan of Danielle Collins after that. I used to be earlier than, however now, massive fan. I find it irresistible.”
And, on the midway level within the season-opening main, Djokovic is within the information once more.
The ten-time Australian Open winner boycotted his on-court interview after his fourth-round win over Jiří Lehečka on Sunday night time, along with his resolution prompted by feedback from 9 sport reporter Tony Jones made throughout a reside cross in a information bulletin on Friday.
With a vocal group of Serbian supporters within the background, Jones mentioned Djokovic was “overrated” and “a has-been”.
Tony Jones apologised for his feedback about Djokovic, admitting her “overstepped the mark”. (AAP: James Ross)
He additionally mentioned, “Kick him out”, which Jones — whereas issuing a public apology to Djokovic on Monday morning — acknowledged was “interpreted as a throwback to the COVID years” when the previous world primary was deported from Australia.
Jones tried to move off the state of affairs as an try at “banter”, however Djokovic and his supporters aren’t laughing.
On Sunday night time when addressing the media, Djokovic claimed Jones had “made a mockery of Serbian followers” and regarded his feedback “insulting and offensive”.
He highlighted his angst was directed at Jones and 9, and never the Australian public.
Members of Australia’s Serbian neighborhood share Djokovic’s despair, amid calls the Human Rights Fee examine the incident.
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“It is a actual situation and these emotions are actual, trauma is actual,” Serbian Council of Australia spokesperson Nina Markovic advised ABC Melbourne.
On-line response has been large reaching, with Djokovic receiving help for his place from many quarters.
However he additionally been accused of overreacting, not taking a joke, and missing an understanding of the Australian sense of humour.
It’s doubtless Djokovic will drop his interview boycott with 9, now Jones has publicly apologised.
However the episode has once more made Djokovic a lightning rod for headlines that are not at all times to do along with his tennis.
