NOVAK Djokovic has advanced to the Australian Open quarter finals, adding another complex chapter to his history at Melbourne Park along the way. The 10-time champion, who is searching for his 100th career title, boycotted the customary on-court interview after defeating Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 6-4, 7-6.

>> SCROLL to see all the day eight results

It comes after Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones mocked the 37-year-old and his Serbian fans, exclaiming “kick him out” along with jabs of being “washed up” and a “has-been”. Despite declining a post-match interview for the official broadcaster, Djokovic made a statement before departing.

“Thank you very much for being here tonight. I appreciate your presence and the support. I’ll see you next round. Thank you very much,” Djokovic said, before walking off to scattered boos from the Rod Laver Arena crowd. They had also jeered him throughout the match.

Later fronting the extended media, Djokovic confirmed his decision was a result of Jones’ antics, and not indifferent treatment from the centre court crowd.

“I would like to just clarify the reason why the interview was not conducted on the court,” Djokovic began.

“Couple of 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.

“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.”

Djokovic doubled down on his stance via a video on social media platform, X, insisting things would not change until Jones and the broadcaster issued an apology.

The controversy overshadowed what was another vintage Djokovic performance in his most fruitful Slam. The Serb dispatched Lehecka in just over two-and-a-half hours, boasting a rate of 81 per cent points won on his first serve as the 24th seed racked up 44 unforced errors.

Djokovic will now meet four-time major winner Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter finals. The Spaniard took two sets against Jack Draper, who previously survived three five-setters, before he retired at the start of the third. The one-hour, 35-minute match acts as an early advantage for Alcaraz.

Elsewhere, Tommy Paul breezed through with a 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 victory over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, while second seed Alexander Zverev knocked out Ugo Humbert in four sets. The victorious pair will face off for a shot at either Djokovic or Alcaraz in the semis.

>> DAY SEVEN: Monfils storms into second week

AUSTRALIAN OPEN MEN’S RESULTS: DAY EIGHT

C. Alcatraz [3] def. J. Draper [15] 7-5, 6-1, 0-0 (RET)
N. Djokovic [7] def. J. Lehecka [24] 6-3, 6-4, 7-6
T. Paul [12] def. A. Davidovch Fokina 6-1, 6-1, 6-1
A. Zverev [2] def. U. Humbert [14] 6-1, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2

MEN’S QUARTER FINAL DRAW

J. Sinner [1]/H. Rune [13] vs. A. Michelsen/A. de Minaur [8]
G. Monfils/B. Shelton [21] vs. L. Sonego/L. Tien [Q]
N. Djokovic [7] vs. C. Alcaraz [3]
T. Paul [12] vs. A. Zverev [2]