Novak Djokovic was at the center of another row at the Australian Open on Monday while defending champion Jannik Sinner needed medical treatment in intense heat to advance to the quarter-finals.
But American teenager Learner Tien’s fairytale journey to qualification is over after he suffered a thigh problem in a four-set loss to Italian Lorenzo Sonego.
With temperatures topping 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) for the second day in a row, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina beat Veronika Kudermetova, then refused to shake the Russian’s hand.
Five-time major champion Iga Swiatek will later desperately try to avoid a big clash against “lucky loser” Eva Lys in her bid to win a maiden crown in Melbourne.
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, refused to do a routine on-court interview on Sunday after beating Jiri Lehecka to set up a blockbuster quarter-final against Carlos Alcaraz.
He then said it was a protest against Tony Jones, a leading sports presenter on host channel Channel Nine, who he accused of “insulting and offensive comments” about him and the Serbian fans.
On Friday, Jones called Djokovic a “hasbeen,” among other things, and said, “Kick him out.”
Djokovic said he would boycott interviews with the TV network until he received an apology.
He then posted a short video on X to explain his position. It has been viewed more than 60 million times and caught the attention of the site’s owner, Elon Musk.
“It’s much better to speak directly to the public rather than going through the negative filter of traditional media,” Musk responded, while Djokovic replied: “Indeed.”
Tennis stars past and present and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese all joined the stage.
Jones apologized on air on Monday and hours later Tennis Australia organizers said: “Novak acknowledges that the apology was made in public as requested, and he is now moving on and focusing on his next game.”
Djokovic has already been at the center of controversy at the Australian Open, notably in 2022 when he was expelled on the eve of the tournament for his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid.
He claimed before this year’s tournament that he had been “poisoned” by lead and mercury in his food while detained in a hotel before being deported.
– Svitolina “light” for Ukraine –
World number one Sinner required medical treatment and overcame a long hiatus when he broke the net with a thunderous serve to reach the round of 16.
He came home 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 against 13th-seeded Danish Holger Rune at Rod Laver Arena.
Sinner struggled in the wet conditions, his hand visibly shaking and his heart rate slowing in the third set before leaving the court for a medical timeout.
Local hope Alex de Minaur, seeded eighth, will face American Alex Michelsen in a night match where Sinner awaits the winner.
Svitolina, the 28th seed, beat unseeded Russian Kudermetova 6-4, 6-1 to reach the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park for the third time.
Svitolina then refused to shake hands with her opponent, as is the case with all Ukrainian players facing Russians because of the war.
“For me, finding a way to win matches, finding a way to bring a little bit of light, a little victory to the Ukrainian people, that’s something I feel responsible for,” said the 30-year-old from from Odessa.
“Provoking a fight is the least I can do.”
Organizers displayed a poster on giant screens explaining to spectators that no handshakes would take place and asking for “respect in these difficult circumstances”.
Svitolina faces 19th-seeded American Madison Keys after beating former finalist Elena Rybakina in three sets.
Svitolina’s husband Gael Monfils, the 38-year-old Frenchman, will aim to make it a double celebration when he takes on 21st-seeded American Ben Shelton.
If Monfils wins, he will face Italian Sonego after beating 19-year-old Tien 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2.
Tien had shocked Daniil Medvedev in a late-night five-set thriller in the second round to announce himself on the world stage.
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