But instead of then speaking to Channel 9 interview Jim Courier, Djokovic took the microphone and told the Rod Laver Arena crowd: “Thank you very much for being here tonight, I appreciate your presence and support and I will see you in the next round.”

He then walked off to a smattering of boos and was then seen in a heated discussion with tournament director Craig Tiley.

The No.7 seed then came into his post-match press conference and explained his action in an opening statement. “I would like to just clarify the reason why the interview was not conducted on the court, the post-match interview, like it's a common, usual practice,” he said.

“Couple days ago the famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster, Channel 9 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 9.

“So since they're official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9. 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.

“It's unfortunate I chose to say something to the crowd, but obviously wasn't the time and space or situation for me to explain what I'm doing right now. I leave it to Channel 9 to handle this the way they think they see fit. That's all.”

Asked if his stance would remain until he gets an apology, he said: “Yes, exactly.”

Channel 9 host Tony Jones made the disparaging remarks during a live broadcast in front of Djokovic fans waving Serbian fans in Melbourne Park on Friday night here. “Novak, he’s overrated,” Jones sang. “Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out.”

Djokovic said he told tournament boss Tiley “exactly what I told you”.

He explained: “I haven't seen him since that happened. He was communicating with my agent and my team. I just wanted to make sure, as I have really nice relationship with Craig, I think he's a phenomenal guy that always tries to help players and understand the players' needs or demands, so I just wanted to make sure that he knows where I stand and the reasons behind it.

“So I told him, you know, If you guys want to fine me for not giving an on-court interview, that's okay, I'll accept that 'cause I feel like this is something that needs to be done. That's all there is to it.”

The 10-time champion was again unhappy about getting heckled by the crowd during the match.

At one point in the third set, he told Swedish umpire Mohamed Lahyani: “They are doing it on purpose. It is so obvious.”

But he insisted: “Nothing that really stands out or extraordinary. Every match something different happens. I already explained myself the reason why I wasn't giving an interview, is not for the crowd, it was for the Channel 9 situation.”