Australian Open 2025: Channel 9 broadcaster apologizes to Novak Djokovic

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) – The host’s television station has apologized after Novak Djokovic declined to do a usual post match on court interview on Australian Open Sunday to protest comments made on air by someone who works for the television network.

Djokovic said he wanted an apology from Channel 9 and Tony Jones, who called the 24-time Grand Slam champion overrated and a has-been, as well as an apparent reference to his deportation from Australia in 2022 for being unvaccinated for COVID -19, during an on-air performance at Melbourne Park, where a crowd of the player’s supporters sang.

Djokovic, a 37-year-old from Serbia, did not name Jones but said a “famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster, Channel 9 … made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments to me.”

Djokovic said he would continue to avoid talking to the network.

“I leave it to Channel 9 to handle this in the way they see fit. That’s all,” Djokovic said.

Australia’s Nine Network issued a statement on Monday apologizing to Djokovic “for any offense caused by comments made during a recent live cross.”

“No harm was intended towards Novak or his fans,” the statement said. “We look forward to further showcasing his Australian Open campaign at Melbourne Park.”

Jones appeared on the Today program on Monday to apologize, saying he meant the comments as “teasing”.

“I considered it humor, which is consistent with most things I do,” he said. “Having said that, it was brought to my attention … that the Djokovic camp was not at all happy with those comments.

“I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them. And as I stand here now, I stand by that apology to Novak.”

Jones also apologized to any Serbian fans who did not interpret his comments as humorous.

“I feel like I’ve let the Serbian fans down,” he said. “I’m not just saying this to try to get out of trouble or anything. I really feel for those fans.”

“So I can only tell Novak again what I told him 48 hours ago. And that is, I apologize if he felt I disrespected him.”

Serbia’s ambassador to Australia, Rade Stefanovic, said on Monday that Jones’ comments were “clearly unprofessional” and could not be regarded in good humor, particularly the “most worrying” conclusion regarding Djokovic’s expulsion on the eve of the tournament three years ago.

“This event is still very much present in the Serbian people worldwide, including Australians of Serbian origin who were also collectively victimized at the time,” the Sydney Morning Herald – which is also owned by the same parent company as Channel 9 – quoted Stefanovic as saying on Monday.

After beating Jiri Lehecka in three sets at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday to reach the quarter-finals, Djokovic was expected to speak to former player Jim Courier on television. Instead, Djokovic held the microphone and told the crowd: “Thank you very much for being here tonight. I appreciate your presence and support. See you next round. Thank you very much.”

Later, at his press conference, Djokovic opened with a statement telling reporters why he didn’t do the interview, explaining that he was upset with Jones and the broadcaster, not the Courier or the fans in the stadium.

He said he also spoke to Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley about the issue.

“I just wanted to make sure he knows where I stand and the reasons behind it,” Djokovic said. “So I told him, ‘If you want to fine me for not giving an interview in court, that’s fine.’ I’ll accept it because I feel like this is something that needs to be done. That’s all there is to it.”

Djokovic later posted a message on X reiterating why he refused to talk. It triggered a response from billionaire X owner Elon Muskwho said “It’s far better to just speak directly to the public than to go through the negativity filter of legacy media.”

Djokovic responded to Musk’s tweet with “Indeed” followed by a raised hands emoji.

Djokovic is scheduled to play no. 3-seeded Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.

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AP Sports Writer John Pye contributed from Brisbane, Australia.

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