Serbian Davis Cup captain Viktor Troicki has launched a scathing attack on Australian media and sections of the local crowd for what he describes as “disrespectful and disappointing” treatment of Novak Djokovic during the 2024 Australian Open. His comments come in response to Djokovic’s injury-forced withdrawal from Serbia’s Davis Cup tie against Denmark, as well as the public and media scrutiny the 10-time Australian Open champion faced during the tournament.
Djokovic was forced to retire from his semi-final clash against Alexander Zverev after an intense 84-minute opening set due to an injury he sustained earlier in the tournament. Despite his obvious discomfort, the Serbian star was met with boos from some sections of the crowd as he left the court, a reaction that drew criticism from both his supporters and fellow athletes.
Adding to the controversy, Djokovic refused to participate in a post-match interview with host broadcaster Channel 9 after veteran journalist Tony Jones appeared to mock him while engaging with Serbian fans. The incident has reignited debates about Djokovic’s relationship with Australia, where he has faced significant challenges in recent years.
Troicki, a former world No. 12 and current captain of Serbia’s Davis Cup team, did not hold back in his criticism of both the Australian public and the media. He expressed particular outrage at Jones’ remarks and went so far as to call for the journalist to be permanently banned from covering tennis.
“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 Serbia’s Davis Cup tie.
The Serbian captain also lamented what he sees as a pattern of mistreatment directed at Djokovic in Australia. He pointed to the infamous 2022 deportation scandal, when Djokovic was barred from competing in the Australian Open due to his vaccination status. The Serbian star’s visa was canceled on “health and safety” grounds, leading to a global controversy that further strained his relationship with Australian authorities and media.
“Year after year, the treatment of Novak in Australia is getting worse and worse,” Troicki said. “It’s incredibly disappointing to see how a player who has given so much to the tournament and to tennis in general is treated this way.”
Djokovic, who holds the record for the most Australian Open titles with ten, has long been a polarizing figure in Melbourne. While he has a strong fan base in Australia, his outspoken views and past controversies have often led to mixed receptions.
Despite the backlash, Djokovic has remained a dominant force in the sport, and his commitment to Serbia’s Davis Cup campaign—despite his injury—demonstrates his enduring passion for representing his country. However, with tensions between Djokovic and the Australian media seemingly at an all-time high, it remains to be seen how this latest incident will impact his future relationship with the nation where he has enjoyed some of his greatest triumphs.
