Serbian media condemn Australian tennis great’s Novak commentary

Australian tennis great Wally Masur is copping significant criticism for a throwaway line in commentary about Novak Djokovic during the 10-time Australian Open champion’s first-round win.

Djokovic easily dispatched Pedro Martinez in straight sets on Monday night to advance at his record-equalling 21st Open campaign, but Serbian media condemned a comment Masur made suggesting that Martinez’s best hope was for the former world No.1 to injure himself.

Novak Djokovic slides for a forehand in his opening-round victory at the Australian Open.Credit: Getty Images

After Djokovic slid to hit a forehand, Masur said on air for beIN Sports: “I think that’s Pedro’s biggest chance – if Novak just tears an adductor on one of those slides. It might be just what he needs.”

Serbian media were quick to slam Masur’s remark.

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“A shameful comment about Djokovic in a live feed. Is it possible that a commentator is saying this?” Nova TV said. The tabloid Telegraf called it a “catastrophic” comment. Mondo headlined with: “A famous tennis player’s live feed scandal.”

This masthead has contacted Masur, who has also worked for Stan, for comment. Stan is owned by Nine, which also owns this masthead.

Masur was formerly Australia’s Davis Cup captain.

Following Djokovic’s 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory, Masur conducted a jovial on-court interview with the super Serb, in which they discussed Djokovic’s 100th Australian Open win and his other extraordinary feats at the grand slam.

“What can I say? I like the sound of it. It’s a nice feeling to be a centurion,” Djokovic said in the interview.

The 24-time grand slam legend displayed some incredible athletic feats during the match, including leaping into the air and pummelling a 176km/h forehand winner in the third set that prompted the crowd to erupt – and Nine commentator John Millman to declare him “Air Novak”.

Wally Masur conducted a post-match interview with Djokovic on Monday night.Credit: Getty Images

Djokovic, who turns 39 in May, famously takes immense pride in his physical preparation and fitness, but retired hurt from his semi-final against Alexander Zverev last year.

He later posted his hamstring scan to social media as proof of the severity of his injury after his retirement was greeted with boos from some fans.

Djokovic told this masthead pre-tournament in an exclusive interview that he still believed he could beat new tour pacesetters Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz if he held up physically.

“I have experience, and faith in myself, and hopefully, my body will hold on,” he said.

“That, particularly in the last couple of years, is my biggest challenge. If my body holds on and the game is there, I can compete with anyone.”

It is the second straight Australian Open that Djokovic has unwittingly been involved in a controversy with a broadcaster.

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Nine sports presenter Tony Jones chanted last year during a live television segment on site at Melbourne Park with Serbian fans in the background: “Novak, he’s overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak, kick him out.”

Jones later apologised after Djokovic described his comments as “insulting and offensive”.

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