The aftermath of Novak Djokovic’s early exit from the Australian Open continues to stir controversy, and now, Serbian Davis Cup captain Viktor Troicki has weighed in with a scathing critique of how his compatriot was treated during the tournament.
Djokovic’s semi-final defeat to Alexander Zverev, which came after he was forced to retire due to injury, was marred by boos from the crowd. This reaction sparked questions over whether the 24-time Grand Slam champion had exaggerated the severity of his injury, a sentiment shared by some commentators, including tennis icon John McEnroe. McEnroe raised doubts about Djokovic’s injury after he sustained it in his quarter-final clash with Carlos Alcaraz. However, Djokovic later shared an MRI scan confirming a muscle tear, silencing his critics.
In response to the crowd’s treatment of Djokovic, Troicki, a long-time friend and former teammate, shared his disappointment with BolaVIP, stating that the boos were deeply disrespectful. “They booed him after his injury, which I don’t think happens in any other sport,” Troicki remarked. “Not even in soccer, where crowds are typically more passionate. In soccer, even an opposing player is often applauded when injured, with wishes for a speedy recovery.”
Troicki found it particularly shocking that the jeers came in Melbourne, a city where Djokovic has enjoyed immense success, winning 10 titles. “It was really disrespectful and disappointing to see that, especially in a place where he’s been so dominant,” Troicki added. “The fans used to admire his achievements and show him more respect. This was a clear departure from that.”
Djokovic addressed the crowd’s reaction during his press conference, explaining that he understood the disappointment of the fans, who had paid for tickets expecting a thrilling contest. However, he also expressed his frustration with the situation. “I don’t know what to say. People came, they paid for the tickets expecting a great match and a big fight, which they didn’t get,” he said. “I am doing my best to understand them, but I’m not sure they want to understand me.”
He then reflected on his long history with the tournament. “I know how my body works, I know what I feel, and I know how much I’ve given to this tournament over the past 20-plus years. I’ll stop here, so I don’t continue in the wrong direction,” Djokovic concluded, leaving the matter unresolved.
Troicki also voiced his strong disapproval of an incident involving Channel 9 broadcaster Tony Jones, who mocked both Djokovic and his fans in a viral TV clip during the tournament. Jones later apologized, but Troicki was adamant that an apology wasn’t enough. “If I had hired that journalist, I would have fired him straight away,” Troicki said. “He would never work in sports again.”
The Serbian captain went on to express his belief that Djokovic is increasingly being mistreated in the media, especially considering his past struggles in Australia, which included his controversial deportation over Covid-related issues. “It’s surprising and disappointing to see the greatest player of all time go through so much negativity in Australia, especially after everything that happened with Covid a few years ago,” Troicki remarked. “To mock an athlete during the tournament is unacceptable. An apology doesn’t cut it; that journalist should be banned from covering tennis for life.”
Troicki’s comments reflect his deep loyalty to Djokovic, and his frustration is palpable given the series of events that have unfolded for the Serbian. With Djokovic’s injury keeping him sidelined, Troicki now faces the challenge of leading Serbia in their Davis Cup tie against Denmark in Copenhagen. The absence of his star player is a major blow to Serbia’s hopes of advancing, as Holger Rune leads the charge for the Danish team, aiming to thwart Serbia’s Davis Cup ambitions for yet another year.