Novak Djokovic’s press conference at the 2025 Australian Open was abruptly halted after the Serbian star refused to answer a contentious question posed by a journalist. The situation unfolded during a routine media session following one of Djokovic’s matches, where the 10-time Australian Open champion appeared uncomfortable with a particular line of questioning and chose not to engage.
The journalist in question reportedly asked Djokovic about a personal or potentially sensitive topic unrelated to his tennis performance, leading to the sudden tension in the room. Djokovic, known for his candor and willingness to speak on various issues, calmly declined to answer, stating that he did not wish to discuss that particular subject. His refusal was met with murmurs from the press, but the tennis star maintained his composure and quickly moved on.
The press conference was briefly paused, as the tournament’s media officer stepped in to manage the situation, requesting that the conversation return to tennis-related topics. Djokovic, visibly collected after the exchange, continued to answer other questions about his match and his campaign at the Australian Open, remaining focused on his pursuit of another Grand Slam title.
While it’s not unusual for athletes to occasionally steer clear of certain questions, this moment generated considerable buzz, with fans and pundits speculating about the nature of the inquiry that prompted Djokovic’s refusal. The incident did not seem to affect his demeanor, as he shifted focus back to his tennis performance and ambitions in Melbourne.
Djokovic, who remains a favorite to win the Australian Open, has often navigated challenging questions in the media spotlight, but this instance marked a rare moment where he drew a firm boundary. The incident has sparked discussions about athlete privacy and the limits of what is appropriate to ask during press conferences.