Melbourne: Channel Nine host Tony Jones apologised to Novak Djokovic after some comments from the veteran broadcaster led to the Tennis star refusing to participate in an on-court interview. Jones claimed that it was only a lighthearted banter.
After winning against Jiri Lehecka in three straight sets on Sunday night and booking a berth in the quarterfinal, the 37-year-old refused to participate in an on-court interview. He claimed that it was in protest of Jones as the sports presenter made some insulting remarks regarding the ‘Serbian’ fans. Djokovic had denied giving an on-court interview till he received a public apology.
An Australian broadcaster has apologised to Novak Djokovic for comments he made on TV that the 24-time Grand Slam champion considered " insulting and offensive".<="" p>— blackshine sunny (@blackshine67940) January 20, 2025
"The comments were made on the news on the Friday night, which I considered to be banter. I considered it to be humour, which is consistent with most things I do," Jones said on Monday.
"Having said that, I was made aware on Saturday morning, from Tennis Australia via the Djokovic camp, that the Djokovic camp was not happy at all with those comments. As such I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued and apology to them -- 48 hours ago -- for any disrespect that Novak felt, that I had caused,” he added.
“As I stand here now I can only stand by that apology to Novak.”
On Friday, a large pool of supporters were seen applauding Djokovic while waving the Serbian flag.
"Novak, he's overrated ... Novak's a has-been. Novak, kick him out."
Djokovic will play against Alcaraz in the quarterfinal on Tuesday at the Rod Laver Arena.
