"The guy literally completed tennis": Victoria Azarenka calls audacity of reporter at centre of Novak Djokovic row 'insane'
Tennis News
Victoria Azarenka is the latest big name to speak out in support of Novak Djokovic amid the row engulfing Channel 9 reporter Tony Jones who was the reason behind the 24-time Grand Slam champion's boycott of on court interviews today.
Djokovic walked off without speaking to Jim Courier and went backstage to speak to Barbara Schett for Eurosport and started his press conference by stating why after comments made by Jones aimed at his fans and also Djokovic. They included that Djokovic is 'overrated', a 'has-been' and to 'kick him out'.
Azarenka who won the Australian Open in 2012 and 2013 at a time when Djokovic dominated the tournament is well known for speaking out on issues and also in support of Djokovic in the past.
"The audacity to call Novak Djokovic overrated by a reporter is just insane. The guy literally completed tennis by winning everything you can in our sport," wrote Azarenka on social media on Sunday afternoon.
The row has been the main piece of tennis news today and Djokovic took to social media to attempt to issue an ultimatum to Channel 9 or said boycott will continue.
“It was a great match again against Lehecka, who’s in form. Looking forward to the next match-up with Carlos, and I just want to take a moment to reflect on what happened on the court," said Djokovic on social media in a video on X.
“The reason why I did not do an interview that is a common practice, after the match for the winner to do a post-match interview – I just wanted to clarify with everyone what happened.
“The reason why I chose not to do that is that a few days ago, a famous sports journalist from here in Australia, who works for a main broadcaster of the Australian Open – Channel 9 – decided to mock Serbian fans, and he made insulting and offensive comments towards me.
“So I was hoping he was going to apologise in public, which he hasn’t done yet, and neither did Channel 9, so that’s the only reason why I didn’t do the interview.
“It was, of course, not a great feeling for me and it was quite awkward on the court. Jim Courier is the one who came out, I have tremendous respect for him and I always love speaking to Jim.
“I know that a lot of people wanted to hear me speak so I apologise for everyone in the stadium not being able to hear me speak, and on the TV as well.
“That’s the main reason and I have to stand by my decision and hold these stands until something is done. I leave it to Channel 9 and hopefully that situation will change for the next match.”
The audacity to call Novak Djokovic overrated by a reporter is just insane. The guy literally completed tennis by winning everything you can in our sport!
— victoria azarenka (@vika7) January 19, 2025
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Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
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