Courier thinks Djokovic ‘prepared to maneuver on’ after public apology issued

Jim Courier says that Novak Djokovic has accepted an apology from broadcaster Channel 9, following feedback made in direction of the Serbian and his followers.

Djokovic had been gesturing in direction of an at occasions rowdy crowd throughout his spherical of 16 win over Jiri Lehecka, and refused to participate within the customary on-court interview with Courier.

He later clarified his place each within the press convention and on social media, revealing that he had taken umbrage at feedback made by a presenter on Channel 9.

“[A] couple days in the past the well-known sports activities journalist who works for [the] official broadcaster… made a mockery of Serbian followers and in addition made insulting and offensive feedback in direction of me,” Djokovic defined.

“And since then, he selected to not situation any public apology.”

Djokovic added that “hopefully the state of affairs will change by the following match,” and, in accordance with Courier, it has.

Courier, talking on Eurosport, mentioned: “There have been some statements made by somebody working for Channel 9 that offended Novak, and he was so offended by it he refused to do interviews with Channel 9.

“He mistakenly thought I used to be working for Channel 9 on the courtroom… However I used to be really representing the event, once I go on courtroom to do the interviews that’s not a Channel 9 job.

“So he determined he didn’t need to try this, no offence from me, I understood that instantly on the courtroom. Now everyone knows why.

“He wished a public apology, that has now been provided publicly by the particular person in query and Novak has mentioned that he accepts that apology and is able to transfer on.”

Djokovic will resume his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz within the quarter-finals in Melbourne, however Courier doesn’t consider the furore across the incident will hamper Djokovic.

“It’s been a turbulent 24 hours or so, however I believe issues ought to be calm for that incredible match that’s arising tomorrow,” he added.

Tim Henman agreed, even going as far as to say the adversity might effectively profit Djokovic, with the duo assembly in a Slam on onerous courts for the primary time.

“He has at all times stood up for his beliefs and I believe we respect that. And now, there’s at all times been a bit of little bit of that – if you find yourself searching for that confrontation, Novak performs higher,” Henman mentioned.

“He’s mentioned his piece, the apology I believe has been accepted and now we will actually give attention to what’s such an thrilling quarter-final in opposition to Alcaraz.

“I actually know what I need to give attention to and that’s the tennis, as they’re each enjoying nice.”