The host broadcaster has apologized after Novak Djokovic declined to do a customary post-match on court interview at the Australian Open Sunday to protest comments made on air by someone who works for the TV network.

Channel 9's Tony Jones' comments caught the attention of the tennis star, his fans and even the Australian prime minister

Novak Djokovic isn’t the only Australian Open competitor dismayed by the commentary from broadcasters at this year’s tournament.

Novak Djokovic set up a blockbuster Australian Open quarter-final against Carlos Alcaraz but refused to do a post-match interview because of a row with the host broadcaster.

US tennis player Ben Shelton claims that he has been “shocked” by the actions of TV broadcasters at the Australian Open, calling some of the interviews “negative” and “disrespectful”. Shelton’s comments come just a few days after Channel Nine presenter Tony Jones was forced to apologise to Novak Djokovic after jokingly saying on air that the Serbian was “overrated” and a “has-been”.

Media treatment of the Australian Open competitors has been a heavily discussed topic at this year's major tournament thanks most in part to Novak Djokovic's comments about an Australian broadcaster.

Ben Shelton has become the latest player to criticise “disrespectful” broadcaster and interviewer comments in the wake of Novak Djokovic’s criticism of Channel 9. World No 7 Djokovic was handed a public apology by Channel 9 and broadcaster Tony Jones this week after skipping a post-match on-court interview in round four.