Why Novak Djokovic skipped post-win interview after setting up Alcaraz clash

Novak Djokovic's relationship with the Australian Open entered another chapter on Sunday night when he skipped a post-win interview with Jim Courier.

In his fourth-round fixture, Djokovic defeated Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) to stay on track for his 100th career title, and 11th in Melbourne.

But the Serbian legend went off script after the match when American great Courier stood on the court ready to do the customary interview.

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Djokovic took the microphone off Courier and instead delivered a short address to the crowd.

"Thank you very much for being here tonight. I appreciate your presence and the support and I'll see you next round, thank you very much," Djokovic said before walking away and not answering any questions.

Djokovic received a mixture of claps and boos in response. He did sign autographs as he left the court and it was initially unclear why he chose not to speak to Courier.

"We'll be talking about that interview, that's one of Jim's shortest and the crowd's aren't happy ... that was something extraordinary," Aussie great Todd Woodbridge said.

John McEnroe added: "What happened there? A couple people getting on him, I don't think Novak was too thrilled but normally he brushes that off ... that was a somewhat shocking ending to this evening".

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Djokovic was then spotted in deep discussion with Tennis Australia tournament director Craig Tiley after the match.

The 10-time Australian Open champion then explained he was boycotting interviews due to comments made by Nine presenter Tony Jones on Friday night.

"I'd like to just clarify the reason why it was not conducted on the court," Djokovic said.

"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.

"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.

"I chose to say something to the crowd but obviously wasn't the time and situation to explain what I'm doing right now."

On Monday morning Jones took to Nine's Today to address the issue publicly (watch the full TV apology at the top of the page).

"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," Jones said.

"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. As such I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued and apology to them - 48 hours ago - for any disrespect that Novak felt, that I had caused.

"As I stand here now I can only stand by that apology to Novak.

"I should also say the disrespect was extended, in many ways, to the Serbian fans. We have built up a nice rapport with the Serbian fans... there is banter, and I thought what I was doing was an extension of that banter. Quite clearly that has not been interpreted that way.

"I feel as though I've let down the Serbian fans.

"It has been an unfortunate situation."

Djokovic takes on Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter finals.