Australian broadcaster Channel Nine has issued an apology to Novak Djokovic after comments made by reporter Tony Jones sparked backlash from the tennis star. During a live broadcast at the Australian Open on Friday, Jones shouted, “Novak, he’s overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out” toward Djokovic’s supporters. Djokovic found these remarks “insulting and offensive,” prompting him to skip his usual on-court interview following his fourth-round win over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday.
Addressing the incident, Djokovic said Jones’ comments “mocked Serbian fans” and were hurtful to him personally. He added that it was “a very awkward situation” for him.
Tony Jones responded on Channel Nine, explaining that he had intended the remarks as “banter and humour” but acknowledged they were not well-received. He said, “I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology for any disrespect Novak felt.” Jones also expressed regret for the unintended offense caused to both Djokovic and his Serbian fans, acknowledging that his comments were misinterpreted.
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Channel Nine also issued a public apology, stating that no harm was intended towards Djokovic or his supporters. The Serbian Council of Australia, however, called for Jones to be dismissed, describing his comments as “offensive, racist, and harmful to the Australian-Serb community.”
Jones reflected on the controversy, particularly regretting his remark, “kick him out,” which many interpreted as a reference to Djokovic’s deportation from Australia in 2022 over COVID-19 regulations. He admitted that this comment had angered Djokovic, and hoped for an opportunity to meet the tennis star in person to personally apologize.
Djokovic, focused on his upcoming quarter-final match against Carlos Alcaraz, acknowledged the public apology and confirmed he was moving on from the incident. Tennis Australia also indicated that Djokovic had accepted the apology and was concentrating on his next match.
