Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has found an unlikely ally in one of the UFC’s biggest stars.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner is currently at the center of a controversy during the Australian Open.
Djokovic refused to do his usual on-court interview after Sunday’s fourth-round win over Jiri Lehecka.
The Serbian subsequently explained that his actions were in response to Channel Nine’s Tony Jones mocking his fans by saying, “Novak, he’s overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out’ while live on air.
Alexander Volkanovski supports Novak Djokovic
Djokovic demanded a public apology in a viral video that has amassed more than 70 million views in less than 2 hours.
“I would like to just clarify the reason why the interview was not conducted on the court,” he said.
“A couple of days ago, the famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster Channel Nine here in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me.
“And since then, he chose not to issue any public apology. Neither did Channel Nine. So since they’re official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel Nine.
“I have nothing against Jim Courier or neither the Australian public. It was a very awkward situation for me to face on the court today.”
Former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski was one of the countless people who commented on the clip.
The proud Australian and former pound-for-pound number one UFC fighter sided with Djokovic as he also demanded an apology from the TV broadcaster.
Volkanovski tweeted: “He’s right and he should get an apology!”
On Monday, Jones caved as he issued a public apology to Djokovic and his fans for unintentionally disrespecting them.
The 63-year-old insisted his comments were ‘banter and humor’ but accepted they haven’t been received in that way.
What’s next for Alexander Volkanovski?
When he’s done watching the tennis, Alexander Volkanovski will continue preparations for his comeback.
‘The Great’ hasn’t fought since Ilia Topuria knocked him out cold to take his 145lb title at UFC 298 last February.
Since then, Topuria has cemented his reign by doing the same thing to Max Holloway at UFC 308.
Volkanovski previously claimed that he had been promised a rematch for the featherweight title.
“Fighting for the title, that is what is pretty much promised to me,” he told Submission Radio in October.
“I will be facing the winner out of Ilia and Max. Quite positively I can guarantee that.”
In an ideal world, Volkanovski would rematch Topuria at UFC 312 on February 9. Unfortunately for him, that card is now fully set and there’s been no announcement about him being a part of the UFC’s return to Australia.
It’s now just a case of waiting to see if UFC boss Dana White delivers on his promise to Volkanoski.
If not, top featherweight contender Diego Lopes wants to fight him, as does the hottest free agent in MMA, Patricio ‘Pitbull’ Freire, who called him after being fully released from his PFL/Bellator contract last week.