Musk advises Djokovic to speak to people 'directly' after interview controversy

World's richest man Elon Musk has advised tennis legend Novak Djokovic to speak to the public "directly" after the Serbian star declined a post-match interview during the Australian Open 2025 with Channel 9, the event's official broadcaster, after the player and his fans were mocked during the game. 

Musk shared Djokovic's post on X and commented, "It’s way better just to talk to the public directly than go through the negativity filter of legacy media".

Djokovic had defeated Jiri Lehecka in straight sets with scores of 6-3, 6-4 and 7-6 in the fourth round of the contest but during the match, he faced disturbances from the crowd at the Rod Laver Arena. 

The audience tried to distract him in the match after which he declined a courtside interview with Jim Courier, a two-time Australian Open champion, leaving everyone astound.

Later on, the athlete explained his decision in a press conference and a video message posted on X where he stated that Tony Jones of Channel 9 mocked Serbian tennis fans and made offensive remarks about the athlete during a bulletin.

He added neither Jones or the broadcaster had apologised for the behaviour prompting him to avoid the interview.

According to The Free Press Journal, Jones reportedly mocked Serbian fans and made remarks like "Novak is overrated" and "Novak, kick him out" while pretending that Djokovic's fans couldn't hear him.