Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic took to social media to explain why he refused to give the traditional post-match interview, a decision that didn’t go unnoticed by Elon Musk on the social network “X.”

In addition to addressing his decision in a press conference, Djokovic recorded a selfie video to clarify the situation. The owner of “X” reacted by stating: “It’s way better just to talk to the public directly than go through the negativity filter of legacy media.”

The incident even drew a response from billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, who didn’t miss the chance to criticize the media. Djokovic replied: “Exactly,” along with a clapping emoji. Support also came from Djokovic’s peers, including Belarusian Victoria Azarenka, who said: “It’s crazy for a journalist to say Djokovic is overrated. This guy has literally completed everything in tennis, won everything there is to win in our sport!”

Djokovic’s "No" to an Interview

Novak Djokovic declined to participate in the customary on-court interview after advancing to the Australian Open quarterfinals due to “insulting and offensive” comments and “mockery” directed at him and Serbian fans by a Channel 9 journalist, the tournament’s official broadcaster.

“A couple of days ago, a famous sports journalist working for Channel 9 here in Australia mocked Serbian fans and made insulting and offensive comments toward me,” Djokovic explained in a press conference after defeating Czech player Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4).

Since then, he added, the journalist has not issued “any public apology,” nor has “Channel 9.”

“As they are the official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews to Channel 9,” he stated.

Former player Jim Courier waited for Djokovic after the match to conduct the usual post-game interview. However, Djokovic simply took the microphone to thank the crowd for their support and said he’d see them in the next round, walking off without answering any questions.

“I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public. It was a very uncomfortable situation. But obviously, it wasn’t the time, place, or situation to explain what I’m doing right now. I’ll let Channel 9 handle this in whatever way they see fit. That’s all,” he commented.