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Web Desk — A prominent TV presenter publicly apologized on Monday to Novak Djokovic after mocking the 24-time Grand Slam champion and his Serbian supporters during the Australian Open, clarifying that the remarks were intended as light-hearted banter.
The 37-year-old Djokovic had refused to participate in a routine on-court interview following his straight-sets victory over Jiri Lehecka in the Rod Laver Arena on Sunday evening, which secured him a place in the quarter-finals.
Explaining his decision, Djokovic accused Tony Jones, a senior sports presenter with host broadcaster Channel Nine, of making “insulting and offensive comments” about him and his Serbian fans. Djokovic further stated that he would boycott interviews with the channel until he received an apology.
Jones addressed the controversy on Monday, stating, “The comments were made during the news on Friday night, and I saw them as banter—humor in line with much of what I do. However, on Saturday morning, I was informed by Tennis Australia, through Djokovic’s team, that they were deeply unhappy with those remarks.”
He added, “As soon as I became aware, I contacted Djokovic’s team and apologized 48 hours ago for any offense Novak felt I caused. Standing here now, I reaffirm that apology.”
The incident occurred during a live broadcast from Melbourne Park on Friday, where Djokovic supporters, waving Serbian flags, cheered enthusiastically in the background. Jones responded by singing, “Novak, he’s overrated… Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out.”
Acknowledging the backlash, Jones said, “I must also apologize to Serbian fans who were equally disrespected. Over the years, we’ve built a good rapport with them, and I believe my remarks were an extension of that banter. That wasn’t how it was received.”
He concluded, “I feel I’ve let down the Serbian fans. It’s an unfortunate situation, and I deeply regret any offense caused.”
