Djokovic moving on; Sinner, Swiatek advance

MANILA, Philippines — Novak Djokovic was at the center of another Australian Open row on Monday while Jannik Sinner needed medical attention in fierce heat to battle into the quarterfinals and Iga Swiatek won easily.

But American teenage qualifier Learner Tien’s fairytale run is over after he suffered a thigh problem in a four-set defeat to Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego.

With temperatures rising above 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) for a second successive day, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina beat Veronika Kudermetova – then declined to shake the Russian’s hand.

But Svitolina’s husband, the 38-year-old Frenchman Gael Monfils, retired from his match in the Last 16.

Five-time major champion Swiatek thrashed “lucky loser” Eva Lys 6-0, 6-1 in her bid to win a maiden Melbourne crown.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic on Sunday refused to do a routine on-court interview after beating Jiri Lehecka to set up a quarterfinal blockbuster against Carlos Alcaraz.

Afterwards he said it was in protest at Tony Jones, a top sports presenter with host broadcaster Channel Nine, who he accused of “insulting and offensive comments” towards him and Serbian fans.

Jones on Friday labelled Djokovic a “has-been,” among other things, and said: “Kick him out.”

Djokovic said he would boycott interviews with the TV station until he got an apology.

He later released a short video on X to explain his stance and it has been viewed more than 60 million times, and caught the attention of the site’s owner Elon Musk.

Tennis stars past and present and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese all waded into the row.

Jones apologized on air Monday and hours later organizers Tennis Australia said: “Novak acknowledges the apology has been given in public as requested, and is now moving on and focusing on his next match.”

World number one Sinner needed medical attention and overcame a long interruption when he broke the net with a thunderous serve to reach the last eight.

He came home 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 against Danish 13th seed Holger Rune on Rod Laver Arena.