Placeholder Content Image

Calls for life ban on Tony Jones over Djokovic coverage

<p>The Serbian Davis Cup captain has called for the Tony Jones to be banned for life from tennis commentary over his “disrespectful and disappointing” comments about Djokovic during the Australian Open. </p> <p>Viktor Troicki slammed the veteran Channel Nine reporter after Djokovic was forced to withdraw from Serbia’s tie against Denmark due to the injury he suffered in Melbourne, ending his campaign for an 11th title in the semi-final.</p> <p>Troicki ranted that Australia has been treating Djokovic “worse and worse” after he was deported before the 2022 Open when his visa was cancelled on “health and safety” grounds. </p> <p>“There was the situation around Channel 9, which I noticed as well. If I had hired that journalist (Tony Jones), I would have fired him straight away. He would never work in sports again,” Troicki said ahead of the tie.</p> <p>“I think they are treating Novak worse and worse. It is surprising and disappointing to see the greatest player of all time experiencing so many bad things happening in Australia again. After Covid and what they did to him a few years ago, it has never been the same."</p> <p>“To mock an athlete during the tournament is unacceptable. I don’t think an apology is enough. I think he should be banned for life from covering tennis.”</p> <p>Following Djokovic's semi-final clash with Alexander Zverev, the Serbian tennis champ was booed by the audience, which Troicki believes is a sign of his deteriorating relationship will Aussie tennis fans.</p> <p>“They were booing him after the injury, which I don’t think happens in any sport. Not even in football, where the crowd is normally more wild. When someone gets injured in football, even an opponent, they will applaud you and wish you to get better,” he said. </p> <p>“That’s why it was surprising to see, especially in a place where he has played his best tennis and has won 10 titles, that he got booed after the injury. It was really disrespectful and disappointing.”</p> <p>“They are booing him in the crowd, which was not happening before in Australia. I think they were admiring his results more and greeting the champion with more respect in the past.”</p> <p>Serbia’s ambassador to Australia, Rade Stefanovic, also expressed his “profound concern” to Nine, writing in a statement, “The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia considers that Mr Jones’ comments are totally inappropriate and disrespectful”.</p> <p>He went on to say: “There has never been in the history [sic] the case that [an] Australian athlete has been insulted and disrespected in such a way by the media or any public official in Serbia.”</p> <p>The Serbian Council of Australia has also lodged an official complaint with the Human Rights Commission, demanding for Jones be stood down from all sports broadcasting duties at Channel Nine.</p> <div> </div> <p><em>Image credits: Nine / Instagram  </em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Another AO competitor calls out "disrespectful" commentators

<p>American tennis star Ben Shelton has criticised the standard of on-court interviews at the Australian Open.</p> <p>The 22-year-old made it to the semi-finals with a 7-5 6-4 7-6 (7-4) victory against Sonego, in what will be his second Grand Slam semi-final appearance, taking on Jannik Sinner on Friday. </p> <p>As he was about to wrap up his post-match press conference, Shelton shared an unprompted take of the Australian Open TV broadcast. </p> <p>“One thing I just want to say, I’ve been a little bit shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters,” Shelton said.</p> <p>His comments come after <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/novak-djokovic-refuses-post-match-interviews-after-offensive-comments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tony Jones' controversial comments</a> about Novak Djokovic made headlines, with Shelton making reference to the incident. </p> <p>“I don’t think that the guy who mocked Novak (Tony Jones), I don’t think that was just a single event.</p> <p>"I’ve noticed it with different people, not just myself. I noticed it with Learner Tien in one of his matches. I think when he beat Medvedev his post-match interview, I thought it was kind of embarrassing and disrespectful that interview.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Interesting end to Ben Shelton’s press conference. </p> <p>Unprompted, he took a moment to tear into the quality of local broadcasting and specifically on-court interviewing at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a>. <a href="https://t.co/ig76VrKq2C">pic.twitter.com/ig76VrKq2C</a></p> <p>— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg/status/1882017558615974124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p>John Fitzgerald had previously been slammed for his awkward interview with Learner Tien, following his victory over Daniil Medvedev, where he had jokingly commented "19-year-olds are not meant to be that good." </p> <p>Shelton continued: “There are some comments that have been made to me in post-match interviews by a couple of different guys, whether it was, Hey, (Gael) Monfils is old enough to be your dad. Maybe he is your dad."</p> <p>“Or today on the court, Hey, Ben, how does it feel that no matter who you play in your next match, no one is going to be cheering for you?</p> <p>“I mean, may be true, but I just don’t think the comment is respectful from a guy I’ve never met before in my life.</p> <p>“I feel like broadcasters should be helping us grow our sport and help these athletes who just won matches on the biggest stage enjoy one of their biggest moments. I feel like there’s just been a lot of negativity. I think that’s something that needs to change.”</p> <p>Shelton's comments on Wednesday night struck a nerve with fellow tennis players, with six-time grand slam champion Boris Becker writing on social media: "Absolutely agree with Ben! Courtside interviews way too long after matches … and too personal as well!”</p> <p>Czech tennis player Jiri Lehecka added:  “Well said @BenShelton.”</p> <p><em>Image: Nine</em></p>

TV

Placeholder Content Image

Novak Djokovic responds to Tony Jones' apology

<p>Tony Jones has issued a full apology to Novak Djokovic, following the tennis star's decision to boycott his post-match interview with Channel Nine because of Jones' <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/novak-djokovic-refuses-post-match-interviews-after-offensive-comments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"offensive comments"</a>. </p> <p>Jones broke his silence on Monday morning during an interview on Nine's <em>Today</em> show, saying that he had already apologised to members of Djokovic's support team behind the scenes - days before the walk-off. </p> <p>“If I could just give you a bit of a timeline here — the comments were made on the news on the Friday night, which I considered to be banter. I considered it to be humour. Which is consistent with most things I do, whether it be the Sunday Footy Show or on the morning show or here," he explained. </p> <p>“Having said that, I was made aware on Saturday morning from Tennis Australia via the Djokovic camp, that the Djokovic camp was not happy at all with those comments.</p> <p>“As such, I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them, so this is 48 hours ago.</p> <p>“But any disrespect that Novak felt that I caused and as I stand here now I stand by that apology to Novak if he felt any disrespect, which clearly he does.”</p> <p>He also apologised to the Serbian fans he heckled, saying that "what I thought I was doing was an extension of that banter", clarifying that he felt bad for letting down the Serbian fans. </p> <p>Jones' also explained that he "overstepped the mark" when he told the crowd of fans “Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out." </p> <p>“I can stand here and put whatever spin I want on that, but it can only be interpreted as a throwback to the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/novak-djokovic-told-to-leave-australia" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Covid years</a> when he was kicked out," Jones said. </p> <p>“That has angered Novak, which I completely understand now.</p> <p>“It’s an unfortunate situation. It’s been one of personal angst for Novak. It’s quite clearly personal angst for me as well. But I think the priority here now is to focus on the tennis again.</p> <p>“He’s got an amazing match coming up tomorrow night against Carlos Alcaraz and I hope his focus can now be on that and my focus is now the broadcast again. I can only again tell Novak what I did 48 hours ago and that is that I do apologise if he felt I disrespected him.”</p> <p>Djokovic has since acknowledged the apology and is prepared to move on and focus his attention on his upcoming match against Carlos Alcaraz.</p> <p>“Novak acknowledges the apology has been given in public as requested, and is now moving on and focusing on his next match,” a Tennis Australia statement read.</p> <p><em>Image: Nine/ Instagram</em></p>

TV

Placeholder Content Image

Novak Djokovic refuses post-match interviews after "offensive" comments

<p>Novak Djokovic stunned Australian Open viewers when he refused to conduct a post-match interview with Channel Nine - the official broadcaster for the tournament - on Sunday night.</p> <p>The Serbian superstar explained that the "offensive comments" made by Nine's sports presenter, Tony Jones, was the reason for his boycott.</p> <p>“I’d like to just clarify the reason why it was not conducted on the court,” Djokovic said.</p> <p>“A couple of days ago the famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster 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 Nine.</p> <p>“Since they’re official broadcasters I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9. I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public. It’s unfortunate.</p> <p>“I chose to say something to the crowd but obviously wasn’t the time and situation to explain what I’m doing right now.</p> <p>“I leave it to Nine to handle this the way they see fit.”</p> <p>He also released a self-recorded video message to his fans apologising for not speaking to them on the court.</p> <p>“It was of course not a great feeling for me and it was quite awkward on the court.</p> <p>“Jim Courier was the one that came out. I have tremendous respect for him and I always love speaking to Jim and I know that a lot of people wanted to hear me speak so I apologise for everyone being in the stadium and not being able to hear me speak. And on the TV as well.”</p> <p>Djokovic also confirmed that he had spoken with Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley after the match and said he was prepared to be fined by the tournament for refusing to deal with the official broadcast partner.</p> <p>“I have 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,” the 10-time Aussie Open champion said.</p> <p>“So I told him, you know, If you guys want to fine me for not giving an on-court interview, that’s OK, I’ll accept that because I feel like this is something that needs to be done.</p> <p>“That’s all there is to it.”</p> <p>While Tony Jones is yet to speak through the Nine Network, he has reportedly made an apology through Serbian outlet Sport Klub.</p> <p>“Unfortunately, my ‘humour’ the other night was misinterpreted as an attack on Novak, he said.</p> <p>“That was certainly not the case. I’ve been joking with Serbian fans throughout the tournament and this is – at least I thought so – a continuation of that.</p> <p>“If you watch our morning show, you’ll get an idea of how we work. At no point did I mean to show any disrespect to Novak and I apologise – there was certainly no intention to offend him.”</p> <p>Jones made the comments while reading the sports news for Nine’s evening news bulletin live from Melbourne Park on Friday night, when a group of Djokovic's fans began cheering in the background.</p> <p>“Welcome back to Melbourne Park, where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans, they’re in full voice,” Jones said.</p> <p>“The chants are quite extraordinary,” he added, before saying: “Novak, he’s overrated."</p> <p>“Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out.</p> <p>“Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me. Anyway, let’s get onto the tennis.”</p> <p>As he finished his bulletin, Jones said: “Alright that wraps it up from Melbourne Park. Somehow I’m going to have to get out of here.</p> <p>“No we’re fine, we had selfies. I told them I was Clint Stanaway.”</p> <p><em>Image: Fox Sports</em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Novak Djokovic "poisoned" in Australia

<p>Novak Djokovic claims he was "poisoned" while he was detained in a Melbourne hotel room ahead of the 2022 Australian Open. </p> <p>The Serbian tennis champion was infamously deported from the country three years ago when he did not meet the country’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements at the height of the pandemic.</p> <p>After the federal government cancelled his visa, he stayed at a Melbourne immigration detention facility for five days alongside refugees and asylum seekers.</p> <p>During his time at the Park Hotel in Carlton, he claims he was fed food that was "poisoned" with “lead and mercury”, as he faced "some health issues" when he returned to Serbia. </p> <p>“I had some health issues. And I realised that in that hotel in Melbourne I was fed with some food that poisoned me,” Djokovic told <em><a href="https://www.gq.com/story/novak-djokovic-conquered-tennis-whats-next" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GQ Sports</a></em>.</p> <p>“I had some discoveries when I came back to Serbia. I never told this to anybody publicly, but discoveries that I had a really high level of heavy metal. Heavy metal. I had the lead, very high level of lead and mercury.”</p> <p>Pressed on whether he thought the substances entered his body via the food in Melbourne, Djokovic said: “That’s the only way."</p> <p>“Yeah, (I was) very sick. It was like the flu, just a simple flu. But when it was days after that a simple flu took me down so much, I had an emergency medical team treat me at home. I had that several times and then I had to do toxicology (tests).”</p> <p>The 37-year-old, who has claimed the Aus Open victory 10 times, says he holds no grudges against Australia, but he can’t say the same thing for his family.</p> <p>“Well, for my wife and my parents and my family, it’s not (water under the bridge),” he says.</p> <p>“For me, it is. For me, I’m fine. I never held any grudge over Australian people. In contrary, actually, a lot of Australian people that I meet, I met in Australia the last few years or elsewhere in the world, coming up to me and apologising to me for the treatment I received because they were embarrassed by their own government at that point."</p> <p>“I actually love being there, and I think my results are a testament to my sensation of playing tennis and just being in that country.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Travel Trouble

Placeholder Content Image

"I love you forever": Novak Djokovic celebrates 10 year anniversary

<p>Novak Djokovic has celebrated his 10-year wedding anniversary with Jelena Djokovic. </p> <p>The tennis star took to Instagram to share an adorable tribute honouring their anniversary, with a video of the couple dancing, singing and laughing together set to Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers' <em>Islands In The Stream</em>. </p> <p>"Ten years of joy," Novak began in the caption. </p> <p>"Ten years as parents. Ten years as one. Ten years of dancing. Ten years of fun," he wrote.</p> <p>"Ten years of flying. Ten years at sea. Ten years of you. The best part of me."</p> <p>"Ten years of tennis. Ten years of balls. Ten years of triumph. Ten years of falls.</p> <p>"Ten years as teammates. Ten years together. Ten years Jelena. I love you forever."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9O8uaeoMZF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9O8uaeoMZF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Novak Djokovic (@djokernole)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple first met in high school in the 90s but didn't start dating until a few years later, when Novak finally kicked off his professional tennis career. </p> <p>The high-school sweethearts tied the knot in a ceremony held at Aman Sveti Stefan resort almost a decade later in July 2014, and they were also expecting their first child at the time. </p> <p>The couple now share two children together, Stefan, nine, and Tara, Six. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

Placeholder Content Image

"You guys can't touch me": Djokovic slams Wimbledon crowd

<p>Novak Djokovic has launched into a staggering tirade after emerging from the Wimbledon courts victorious, after claiming the crowd was being "disrespectful" by booing him. </p> <p>The Serbian tennis champ accused the audience after his 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Danish player Holger Rune, calling out the behaviour during his winning speech. </p> <p>“To all the fans that have had respect and stayed here tonight, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I appreciate it,” he said.</p> <p>“And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player, in this case me, have a goooood night."</p> <p>“Goooood night, goooood night, have a good night,” he continued.</p> <p>The on-court interviewer suggested that the crowd was chanting “Rooooon” and was not in fact booing, but Djokovic was determined. </p> <p>“I’m hoping they were just commenting on Rune and they weren’t disrespecting you,” the courtside interviewer said, as Djokovic responded, “They were, they were, they were, they were.”</p> <p>“I am not accepting it. No, no, no. I know they were cheering for Rune but that’s an excuse to also boo."</p> <p>“Listen, I have been on the tour for more than 20 years."</p> <p>“I know all the tricks. I focus on the respectful people that pay for the ticket, and love tennis and appreciate the players."</p> <p>“I have played in much more hostile environments, trust me ... you guys can’t touch me.”</p> <p>He then headed for the Centre Court exit to initial applause before further chants of "<em>Ruuuuuuune"</em> followed.</p> <p><em>Image credits: ADAM VAUGHAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Travel Trouble

Placeholder Content Image

“Say it to my face”: Novak Djokovic confronts Aus Open hecklers

<p dir="ltr">Novak Djokovic has confronted rowdy Australian Open audience members, saying the “tough guy” in the crowd “crossed the line” with his unsolicited commentary. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Serbian tennis player was on his way to a victory against Aussie player Alexei Popyrin when he got caught in a verbal altercation with a spectator. </p> <p dir="ltr">The frustrated defending grand slam champion was heard during the match yelling, "Come here and say it to my face" to a fan seated behind him at Rod Laver Arena.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Come here! Come here!" Djokovic could be heard yelling in response to the mouthy spectator. </p> <p dir="ltr">During his post-match press conference after the match win, the world No.1 elaborated on the clash with the spectator, telling the media he won't tolerate such behaviour from disrespectful audience members</p> <p dir="ltr">"I mean, you don't want to know [what he said]. There were a lot of things that were being told to me on the court, particularly from that corner, and the same side the other corner. I was tolerating it for most of the match," Djokovic said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"At one point I had enough, and I asked him whether he wants to come down and tell it to my face. Unfortunately for him, he didn't have the courage to come down.</p> <p dir="ltr">"That's what I was asking him. If you have courage, if you're such a tough man, tough guy, come down and tell it to my face, and let's have a discussion about it.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"He was apologising from far away. That's all it is."</p> <p dir="ltr">"I'm not going to sit and say 'it's all good'. It's not good," he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Of course, it upsets me. I'm frustrated. I don't want to be experiencing that, but I have to accept it as it is.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"Sometimes I don't tolerate when somebody crosses the line. That's it."</p> <p dir="ltr">The veteran player declared he would continue to "confront" patrons who attempted to throw him off his game, saying, "I was feeling a lot of mixed emotions today on the court. Not a great atmosphere to play in to be honest for me."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p> </p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Djokovic hit with record fine after Wimbledon loss

<p>Novak Djokovic has been fined a whopping £6,100 ($11,700) for smashing his racquet in frustration against the net post during the men's singles final at Wimbledon.</p> <p>The Serbian player, who suffered a five-set defeat against Carlos Alcaraz, marking his first loss on Centre Court in a decade, was penalised for "racquet abuse" when he was crucially broken in the deciding set.</p> <p>Acknowledging the fine, the world No. 2, who earned $2.3 million as the runner-up, stated, “It was frustration in the moment. He played amazing to break my serve, which was enough to win the fifth set.”</p> <p>The final match garnered a peak audience of 11.3 million viewers on the BBC, representing the highest viewership since Andy Murray's victory in 2016, which attracted 13.3 million viewers.</p> <p>The incident where Djokovic smashed his racquet was not the only time he tested the umpire's patience during the tense final.</p> <p>A fortunate spectator managed to acquire the now iconic broken racquet after the match.</p> <p>Furthermore, Djokovic received a time violation for exceeding the allotted time during his serve in the second set. As a result, the umpire issued a warning for his behaviour.</p> <p>Although never a crowd favourite at SW19, Djokovic faced boos from the Wimbledon audience due to his outburst that resulted in the destruction of his racquet.</p> <p>The £6,100 fine imposed on Djokovic stands as the highest individual fine given during this year's tournament, setting a record in 2023.</p> <p>Similarly, Mirra Andreeva also incurred two fines totalling £6,100 during the tournament.</p> <p>The 16-year-old Russian player struggled to control her temper throughout the event and was observed angrily striking herself during the early rounds.</p> <p>She was eliminated in the round of 16 after unintentionally handing a match point to Maddison Keys.</p> <p>Keys was awarded the point when Andreeva was deemed to have thrown her racquet to the ground after slipping, as confirmed by the umpire.</p> <p>This incident marked the second time Andreeva had been involved in a racquet-related episode, as she had received a warning earlier in the match for tossing her racquet across the grass.</p> <p>After her defeat to Keys, Andreeva declined to shake hands with the umpire.</p> <p>For her conduct in the round of 16, she received two fines of A$5,860 each.</p> <p><em>Image: YouTube</em></p>

Money & Banking

Placeholder Content Image

New flag furore erupts as Djokovic crushes Aus Open final

<p>Novak Djokovic has won the Australian Open in convincing fashion to equal Rafael Nadal's Grand Slam record, a year after he was deported over his COVID vaccination status.</p> <p>The Serbian star defeated Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas in three sets in the final in Melbourne on Sunday, making it Djokovic's 10th Australian Open title – equal to Nadal's Grand Slam record of 22 men's singles titles.</p> <p>However, during the broadcast an eagle-eyed viewer couldn’t help but single out the disturbing appearance of a flag bearing a controversial far-right symbol, waved by a Djokovic supporter.</p> <p>“Why am I seeing a Chetnik flag amongst the Serbian crowd at the Tsitsipas vs Djokovic match?” wrote Twitter user Sophie Mak. “Are ultra fascist symbols allowed in the Australian Open now?”</p> <p>The Chetniks were paramilitary ultranationalists who committed war crimes during WWII. Respected tennis journo Ben Rothenberg then responded by calling for future Australian Opens to be completely flag free if security cannot control such incidents.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I really think they need to make the 2024 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> a flag-free zone if their security repeatedly can't figure this stuff out. </p> <p>Tournament security has been pretty abysmal (though we haven't had the ~annual court invader during the men's final yet). <a href="https://t.co/Mztq6NstPg">https://t.co/Mztq6NstPg</a></p> <p>— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg/status/1619649716932988929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>“Tournament security has been pretty abysmal (though we haven’t had the ~annual court invader during the men’s final yet),” added Rothenberg.</p> <p>Tennis Australia were moved to introduce a complete ban on Russian and Belarusian flags earlier in the Australian Open after a Belarusian flag was spotted being waved during a Ukrainian’s match. </p> <p>Djokovic’s father Srbjan was then caught up in a controversy when he inadvertently posed alongside pro-Vladimir Putin protesters outside the stadium who were holding up a flag with the Russian leader’s face on it. Srbjan then elected not to attend the semi-final nor the final of the tournament in which his son was victorious for a record tenth time.</p> <p><em>Images: Twitter</em></p>

News

Placeholder Content Image

"He wants to get in my head": Djokovic takes stand against rowdy fans

<p>Novak Djokovic has spoken out against tennis officials for how they reacted when a group of fans disrupted play at the Australian Open.</p> <p>The Serbian tennis player, ranked world number one, was up against World Number 191 Enzo Enzo Couacaud when he was forced to take his fight from the court to the stands. </p> <p>A group of four young men dressed in <em>Where’s Waldo </em>costumes were responsible for the chaos, and poked at the tennis star’s patience until the fourth set, when Djokovic had had enough. </p> <p>“He’s been provoking all night, the entire night, the entire night,” Djokovic said to the chair umpire, “what are you going to do about it?”</p> <p>The problems began when the group saw fit to shout and taunt during Djokovic’s serves, with their drunken antics leading him to suspect they intended to throw off his game. </p> <p>“The guy's drunk out of his mind, from the first point he's been provoking me,” he told the umpire, gesturing to the trouble in the crowd, “he's not here to watch tennis. He just wants to get in my head.</p> <p>“So I’m asking you, what are you going to do about it? You’ve heard him at least 10 times — I’ve heard him 50 times. What are you going to do about it?”</p> <p>Djokovic called for the expulsion of the disruptive fans, asking officials, “why don’t you get security guards and get him out of the stadium?”</p> <p>A security guard was reportedly sent to speak with the men, and sat in the row before them.</p> <p>The week before, the organisers of the Australian Open stated that anyone who was found to be taunting Djokovic without reason, and disrupting the enjoyment of everyone else, would be removed from the venues. </p> <p>The measure was likely put in place as Djokovic, like Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, is frequently the subject of heckling from audiences at these events. </p> <p>Despite the security guard’s presence, the interruptions were ongoing, and eventually the men were escorted from the game - but it may have proven too little too late for the Serbian player. </p> <p>In a press conference about the event, Djokovic told reporters, “it’s just unnecessary because why should we as players be put in a position where we have to always react when it‘s been two hours. It’s not been 10 minutes. This is what I mind, and this is why I felt the need to go out there because I had enough, you know?</p> <p>“I can tolerate five, six times somebody telling me something, but there is a limit. That limit was crossed, and I stepped in and I asked the chair umpire, is he going to do something about it or not? He did, and I thanked him.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty Images</em></p>

News

Placeholder Content Image

Novak Djokovic kicks his brother out of tennis arena during epic showdown

<p>Novak Djokovic has ordered his brother out of the player's box in the middle of match at the the Adelaide International final.</p> <p>The Serbian star was having a less than desirable game on Sunday, after losing his first set to No.33 Sebastian Korda, from the USA, when he became visibly frustrated and pointed towards the corporate box.</p> <p>His brother Marko and another person then exited the area before Djokovic fought his way back on the court and managed to win the epic three-set thriller.</p> <p>Sports commentator Roger Rasheed claimed the sports star appeared angry, but determined to win the showdown.</p> <p>"He pointed to his box and two out of five members are no longer sitting there," he said.</p> <p>"It's probably living proof that he wants to win badly, in this final. He's got his game face on, mixed with a bit of anger at the moment."</p> <p>Speaking during an on-court interview after prevailing triumphant in a match that lasted three hours, the 21-time Grand Slam champion admitted it had not been an easy night.</p> <p>"I'd like to thank my team for handling me, tolerating me in the good and bad times."</p> <p>"Today, I'm sure they didn't have such a blast with me going back and forth with them, but I appreciate them being here."</p> <p>"My brother Marko is also here, I don't see him that much so I appreciate you coming here, love you. It's been an amazing week and you guys made it even more special for me."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Family & Pets

Placeholder Content Image

Novak Djokovic holds no grudge against Australia

<p>Novak Djokovic says he still has plenty of love and admiration for Australia, despite being deported due to the vaccine mandates.</p> <p>Djokovic says he received the reception he wished for in his triumphant return to singles action in Australia.</p> <p>Djokovic booked a spot in the second round of the Adelaide International 1 with a thumping 6-3 6-2 win over Frenchman Constant Lestienne on Tuesday.</p> <p>It was his first singles match in Australia since being deported in January 2022 for refusing to have the COVID-19 vaccine.</p> <p>The 21-time grand slam champion received a rousing reception when he stepped out on court on Tuesday, and he didn’t disappoint his adoring fans.</p> <p>Djokovic’s power, court speed, and deft work at the net proved too much to handle for Lestienne, with the match lasting just 74 minutes.</p> <p>The world No.5, who lost his low-key doubles match on Monday, repeatedly touched his heart before signalling to the crowd and the sky upon winning his singles match.</p> <p>He also kissed his hand and touched the court, later saying he was delighted to be back in the country where he’s won nine of his 21 grand slam trophies.</p> <p>“I’m glad to be back in Australia,” Djokovic said in his post-match on-court interview.</p> <p>“Thank you all for coming out today. Thank you for giving me the welcome that I could only wish for.</p> <p>“Over the years, Australia has been the place where I’ve played my best tennis, without a doubt.</p> <p>“If I have to pick one country where I’ve had the most success, which treated me in the best way in terms of tennis, it’s here, definitely.</p> <p>“Even the circumstances last year, it wasn’t easy for anybody. But I’m just happy to be here focusing on tennis, and enjoying my time with you guys.”</p> <p>The result sets up a round of 16 clash with Frenchman Quentin Halys, who defeated Australian Jordan Thompson in straight sets on Monday. Djokovic lost only five points on serve during the opening set, but did have to save a break point in the fifth game.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Placeholder Content Image

“I want to go back”: Novak Djokovic weighs in on Australian visa outcome

<p dir="ltr">Novak Djokovic has said he was “very happy” to find out that he will be allowed to compete at the Australian Open next year, after he was granted a visa that lets him return to the country.</p> <p dir="ltr">The World No.1 was barred from entering Australia until 2025 after being at the centre of a major international drama ahead of this year’s Australian Open, which saw him being held in a detention centre for attempting to enter the country without being vaccinated.</p> <p dir="ltr">But, Djokovic will now be able to go for his record-extending 10th Australian Open title after receiving the visa and has said he couldn’t have received “better news”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s a relief, obviously, knowing what I and people closest to me in my life have been through this year with what happened in Australia and post-Australia obviously,” he said after defeating Andrey Rublev at the ATP Finals in Turin.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I could not receive better news for sure — during this tournament as well. [The] Australian Open has been my most successful grand slam. I made some of the best memories there.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Of course, I want to go back there, I want to play tennis, do what I do best, hopefully have a great Australian summer.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I'm always thankful to go through experiences, no matter what the experiences are. I try to be optimistic and positive in life.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I look forward to starting the new year in Australia, and we'll see how the next year goes."</p> <p dir="ltr">Having received the news before the match, where Djokovic beat Rublev 6-4, 6-1 to qualify for the semi-finals, the 35-year-old reckons the good news helped him perform on court.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Did it affect my game today? I would like to believe it did,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Why not? I don't think it did affect me too much because I'm familiar with what I need to do in order to prepare myself for every match.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Of course, knowing that I have clarity now, what I do in the off-season, starting the season in Australia, also of course it did relieve some of the pressure me and my team felt. Just giving that clarity makes it great for us."</p> <p dir="ltr">After missing out on this year’s competition, the Serbian athlete’s future in Australia has looked like a possibility since the government ended rules requiring overseas visitors to declare their Covid vaccination status in July.</p> <p dir="ltr">Earlier this week, Djokovic commented that he had received positive signs about the ban being overturned and his potential return.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-22a4009e-7fff-0279-d152-f1bb40eb3082"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Twitter</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Placeholder Content Image

Novak Djokovic refused entry to America ahead of the US Open

<p>Novak Djokovic has confirmed he won't be competing in the US Open after he has been refused entry to America over his vaccination status. </p> <p>The Serbian tennis champ announced the news on Twitter, and wished his fellow players luck in the competition.</p> <p>"Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open,' Djokovic tweeted Thursday ahead of the US Open draw.</p> <p>"Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support. Good luck to my fellow players! I'll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. See you soon tennis world!"</p> <p>The three-time US Open winner had hoped to enter the tournament, provided the US government changed its policy for unvaccinated visitors.</p> <p>The US Tennis Association previously said it would adhere to such a change by allowing Djokovic to play if he were permitted in the US. </p> <p>After beating Nick Kyrgios in the Wimbledon final on July 10, Djokovic said he "would love" to participate in the last Grand Slam tournament of the year at Flushing Meadows, but he also acknowledged, "I'm not planning to get vaccinated."</p> <p>Djokovic had been updating his followers on social media as he attempted to gain entry to the US, but his hopes were dashed ahead of the draw.</p> <p>Officials did stress that he will be welcome to play at the US Open in 2023. </p> <p>"Novak is a great champion and it is very unfortunate that he will be unable to compete at the 2022 US Open, as he is unable to enter the country due to the federal government's vaccination policy for non-US citizens," tournament director Stacey Allaster said in a statement. </p> <p>"We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Travel Trouble

Placeholder Content Image

Prince George's huge Wimbledon moment captured

<p>Prince George has had the honour of holding one of the most coveted prizes in tennis after watching Novak Djokovic defeat Nick Kyrgios in the men's singles grand final at Wimbledon.</p> <p>Tennis legend Djokovic was seen shaking hands with Prince William and his son, aged 8, after his name was added to the honours board in the All England Club for the seventh time.</p> <p>As George smiled and gave the tennis champ a thumbs up, Djokovic passed him the trophy to hold.</p> <p>However, after the Duchess of Cambridge pointed to the famous pineapple atop the trophy and George had had a chance to look at all the winners' names engraved on the cup, the young prince declared it was "a bit heavy" and passed it on to his mother.</p> <p>It comes after he appeared in the royal box alongside parents William and Kate to watch the action unfold. The young prince was spotted arriving at the club earlier in the day before being led inside by his mother.</p> <p>It was Kate's third appearance at the tournament, as she and Prince William arrived with George to watch the grand final.</p> <p>Watching from the front row between his parents, the young prince was enthralled by the performance put on by the two tennis aces.</p> <p>It was a big day for George, who is known to be a big tennis fan just like his mother. </p> <p><em>Images: BBC / Wimbledon</em></p> <p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"> </p>

Family & Pets

Placeholder Content Image

"Beyond ridiculous": Kyrgios slammed for finals fireworks

<p dir="ltr">Nick Kyrgios has come under fire for his behaviour during the nerve wrecking Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic, which Aussie tennis great Rennae Stubbs described as “embarrassing”.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-68f4af5f-7fff-0d78-153e-88d23698bb00"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">After winning the first set, Kyrgios was on the backfoot during the second and third, with Djokovic winning 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6 and claiming the title for the seventh time.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="und">😘🏆2️⃣1️⃣🙏🏼 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wimbledon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wimbledon</a> <a href="https://t.co/Zo8PAScQzJ">pic.twitter.com/Zo8PAScQzJ</a></p> <p>— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole/status/1546210030130692102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">As his odds of winning began to decline, Kyrgios directed his frustrations at the player box where his girlfriend, dad, sister and trainers were sitting.</p> <p dir="ltr">When he dropped the serve for the first time during the second set of the fourth game, Kyrgios began questioning why he was having to ask his player box to support him.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Say something,” he yelled in their direction later in the set. “You said nothing that whole point.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Why do you stop? 40-0, 40-15 and you just relax! Why?”</p> <p dir="ltr">His supporters weren’t the only subjects of his furore either, after Kyrgios was slapped with a code violation for complaining to the chair umpire about fans distracting him while on serve, including a drunk audience member he asked the umpire to kick out.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They’re distracting me when I’m serving in a Wimbledon final, she’s drunk out of her mind,” he said while closing out his service game.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Why is she still here? She’s drunk out of her mind in the first row, speaking to me in the middle of a game. What’s acceptable? Nothing is acceptable? So kick her out!</p> <p dir="ltr">“I know exactly which one it is, it’s the one that looks like she’s had 700 drinks bro.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0bc04b34-7fff-3939-0bc1-eeedd2426429"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">No-one was ejected from the court, but plenty had something to say about Kyrgios’ behaviour, including Stubbs.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Honestly, this behavior of yelling at your box because they aren't doing what u want, is actually beyond ridiculous. THEY CANT READ YOUR MIND! Yes this is his way of dealing with pressure, I get it but this is straight up constant abuse to people that love you, its embarrassing</p> <p>— Rennae Stubbs OLY (@rennaestubbs) <a href="https://twitter.com/rennaestubbs/status/1546150155023486980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“Honestly, this behaviour of yelling at your box because they aren’t doing what u want, is actually beyond ridiculous,” she tweeted. </p> <p dir="ltr">“THEY CAN’T READ YOUR MIND! Yes this is his way of dealing with pressure, I get it but this is straight up constant abuse to people that love you, it’s embarrassing.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Sports journalist Andy Maher wrote: “You’d have to be a sucker for punishment to accept an invitation to sit in Kyrgios’ box.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e478369b-7fff-59e6-8f07-3a7aafe125f1"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“If Nick Kyrgios offered you a spot in his player’s box you’d have to say ‘no’. All that stress and abuse; worst seat in the house,” journalist Bruce Guthrie said.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">If Nick Kyrgios offered you a spot in his player’s box you’d have to say ‘no’. All that stress and abuse; worst seat in the house. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WimbledonFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WimbledonFinal</a></p> <p>— Bruce Guthrie (@brucerguthrie) <a href="https://twitter.com/brucerguthrie/status/1546138584708575233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“Kyrgios’ players box has the toughest job in sports,” American basketball player Nate Wolters added.</p> <p dir="ltr">Kyrgios has acknowledged how supportive his team has been throughout the tournament and that they put up with a lot from him during matches.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve got an incredible support crew,” he said after the fourth round. “My physio is one of my best friends. My best friend is my agent. I’ve got the best girlfriend in the world. I’ve just got so many people around me, they just support me.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I feel like I can reflect on all those dark times when I pushed them all away. Now to sit here, quarterfinals of Wimbledon, feeling good, feeling composed, feeling mature, having that around me, I’m extremely blessed. I feel like I’m just comfortable in my skin.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Following his defeat, he described Djokovic as “a bit of a god”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I want to congratulate Novak,” Kyrgios said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To all the ball kids and umpires, I know we have tough relationships, thanks for putting up with it.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-3a268d43-7fff-7e7b-8674-085c2baa2460"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

News

Placeholder Content Image

Djokovic allowed to play Wimbledon despite remaining unvaxxed

<p>Novak Djokovic will be allowed to defend his title at Wimbledon despite not being vaccinated against COVID-19.</p> <p>All England Club chief executive Sally Bolton gave Djokovic the all clear on Tuesday, as vaccinations are not required to enter Britain.</p> <p>World No.1 Djokovic, missed the Australian Open in January after being deported because he was not vaccinated against Covid-19.</p> <p>During the annual spring briefing ahead of Wimbledon, which starts on June the 27th, Bolton said “whilst, of course, it is encouraged [that all players get vaccinated], it will not be a condition of entry to compete” this year.</p> <p>The 34-year-old, in addition to being unable to defend his championship at Melbourne Park after an 11-day legal saga over whether he could remain in Australia, had to sit out tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami because he couldn’t travel to the United States as a foreigner who is unvaccinated.</p> <p>The US Tennis Association has said it will follow whatever governmental rules are in place regarding COVID-19 vaccination status when the US Open is held starting in late August.</p> <p>Djokovic has said he got COVID-19 twice, once in 2020 and again in 2021. The tennis legend is tied at 20 with Roger Federer for the second-most grand slams for a man. They trail Rafael Nadal, who won his 21st at the Australian Open.</p> <p>After what happened in Australia, Djokovic said he would be willing to sit out other grand slam tournaments if getting vaccinated was a requirement to compete.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

News

Placeholder Content Image

"Price I'm willing to pay": Novak breaks silence

<p>Novak Djokovic has broken his silence on being kicked out of Australia last month over his anti-vaccination status.</p><p>The famous men's tennis player had refused to publicly reveal his COVID-19 vaccination status until recently.</p><p>He confirmed in a tell-all interview with BBC he is not vaccinated against the virus which has brought the world to its knees over the past two years. However, he doesn’t consider himself to be an anti-vaxxer.</p><p>"I was never against vaccination," he told the BBC.</p><p>"But I've always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body.”</p><p>"The principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else. I'm trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can."</p><p>Djokovic was originally granted an exemption to enter Australia despite not being vaccinated, which the Victorian government and Tennis Australia had said was mandatory to play the Open in January.</p><p>But the federal government stepped in and sensationally cancelled his visa, before locking him up in hotel quarantine in Melbourne and then deporting him after a failed appeals hearing.</p><p>Djokovic was kicked out of the country and Rafael Nadal won the Open, pushing ahead of Djokovic and Roger Federer to set a new record for grand slams won.</p><p>Djokovic hasn't spoken publicly about the saga until now, saying he was “really sad and disappointed with the way it all ended for me in Australia," he said.</p><p>"It wasn't easy."</p><p>His vaccination status has already cost him one major tournament, and now the French Open has said it will also blacklist Djokovic unless he gets vaccinated.</p><p>But the world No.1 is prepared to miss grand slams to hold fast in his beliefs.</p><p>"Yes, that is the price that I'm willing to pay," Djokovic said.</p><p><em>Image: Getty </em></p>

Caring

Our Partners