Novak Djokovic issues apology in Australian Open press conference after getting pulled up

Novak Djokovic apologised after making an AFL blunder in his post-match press conference at the Australian Open. Aged 38, the 10-time former champion is through to the third round here. Djokovic has been coming to the Aussie Open for more than two decades - making his main draw debut against eventual champion Marat Safin in 2005.

The No. 4 seed has witnessed plenty of changes in Melbourne Park. This year, the tournament is seeing record numbers of punters walking through the doors, with more than 100,000 fans attending the day and night sessions in the first few days of the main draw. When asked about the growth of the Australian Open following his second-round victory, Djokovic got his Aussie rules teams mixed up, and was quickly corrected.

“Obviously, I don't know the possibilities of further expanding the facilities or not. I'm not obviously familiar with that dynamic. But I like what I have seen as evolution of this tournament,” Djokovic said of the Australian Open.

“I like when the tournament is nurturing a mindset of always wanting to improve and get better in terms of facility, providing better conditions for players to practice, play, recover. That's what I've been seeing.”

Reflecting on his early years on the grounds, the 24-time Major winner continued: “First time I came over to Australia, for the juniors, 2003 I think, something like that, 2005 for the professional event. I remember we were using the Gym B, as it was called, which was across the road. I forgot what the name of that AFL club is. Essendon, maybe? Something like that.”

But the Australians in the room were quick to inform Djokovic that the nearby club was in fact Collingwood, who compete at the Melbourne Cricket Ground - just over the road - and train at Gosch’s Paddock, also just minutes away from Melbourne Park.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

Essendon and Collingwood have a rivalry going back more than 30 years. They met in the famous Anzac Day match in 1995. It remains one of the biggest matches of the AFL season, outside of the finals. The Anzac Day match pays tribute to those from Australia and New Zealand who have served their country.

And Djokovic quickly realised his mistake, apologising when he got the teams confused. “Collingwood. Sorry, my bad. I know there's a big rivalry. I apologise,” he said.

As for the state of the Australian Open, Djokovic is just happy to have more eyes on tennis. He added: “They were allowing the Australian Open to utilise their facilities, bigger gym, ice baths and everything.

“Then obviously there was an expansion of the facilities with the National Tennis Centre, indoor courts, more practice courts, better recovery, more locker rooms, better facilities, player dining. All positive signs, to be honest. I think Australia has always been one of the best in that. So I don't see any negatives there. Now, it's really about how do you find balance and how do you manage the amount of people that is entering the premises.”