“Making himself less likeable again” – Netizens slam Novak Djokovic for not doing an interview with Jim Courier after his Australian Open fourth-round win

The Australian Open 2025 is grabbing a lot of attention based on the crowd reactions so far. Among the ongoing stories, Danielle Collins and her challenging relationship with the Melbourne crowd have drawn significant focus, and Novak Djokovic added to the intrigue on Sunday (January 19th).

Following his straight-sets win against Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round, the Serb declined to participate in the routine post-match interview with Channel 9 presenter and former World No. 1, Jim Courier. However, Djokovic briefly addressed the crowd, thanking them for their support, before leaving the court.

Thank you very much for being here tonight. I appreciate your presence and support. See you in the next round. Thank you very much.

Novak Djokovic said shortly after his fourth round match

Channel 9 is an Australian-based news channel, but it has faced significant backlash recently due to its controversial remarks about Djokovic and Serbian fans. Many people expressed their anger on social media for this reason.

Well… that was unexpected. pic.twitter.com/T9gg7o7tnU

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 19, 2025

On the other hand, Djokovic needs no introduction when it comes to being perceived as the villain in the game. At Wimbledon last year, he was once again in the spotlight for his challenging relationship with the crowd following his fourth-round win against Holger Rune.

Netizens slam Novak Djokovic for his conduct at the Australian Open

As soon as the incident occurred, fans took to social media in full force to criticize Novak Djokovic for his conduct. Many felt that his behavior was completely disrespectful to the crowd.

Here are some of the reactions:

Arrogance

— Pascal (@pascal__2k) January 19, 2025

Such poor form from Djokovic to not do the post match interview with Courier.

— Bethanie Blanchard (@beth_blanchard) January 19, 2025

He’s never had any charisma. It’s such a shame the era of true greats & generous players like Federer and Nadal is over

— Bethanie Blanchard (@beth_blanchard) January 19, 2025

The most unlikeable male personality in tennis making himself less likeable again 👏🏻

— Moviedoc (@M0VIED0C) January 19, 2025

He has as much class as PavvyG and his whole fanbase.
Idk how no one ever clocked him for this + asthma drugs, literally same that Marit Bjoergen took to beat healthy athletes by 3 minutes in cross-country skiing etc.

— Shino Tsurubushi (@Arthus92) January 19, 2025

faker is the biggest fraud in tennis history , playing tactics with alcaraz before the next match

— maddy (@sharmamaddy4321) January 19, 2025

just check the today crowd it is serbian flag everywhere , who are those with serbian flag , are they were not in the crowd ? he is doing everything to distract alcaraz

— maddy (@sharmamaddy4321) January 19, 2025

Always the drama king….🙄

— Marcus Blomfelt (@BlomfeltMarcus) January 19, 2025

Novak Djokovic is making drama on the court again. He left the court without doing his usual post-match conference cause he was annoyed with some fans on Rod Laver Arena 🤯

This man is 37 yo, but his behavior is more of a teenager. So pathetic from 24 Grand Slam winner 😰 pic.twitter.com/V5jgfOnlx7

— TopSpin (@RallyScope) January 19, 2025

Regardless of the controversy, it adds to the high-stakes match between the Serb and Carlos Alcaraz. The two have been standout players over the past 2–3 years and have competed on the biggest courts in the world.

The duo faced each other twice last year. Their first meeting was in the Wimbledon final, where Alcaraz won in straight sets. Their second encounter came in the Olympic gold medal match, where the Serb prevailed in two tiebreak sets.