Novak Djokovic receives apology from broadcaster after Australian Open controversy

On January 20, 2025By Littum

Novak Djokovic has received an apology from Australian broadcaster Tony Jones after he made comments the Serb didn’t like at the Australian Open.

The Channel 9 host acknowledged his remarks, made during a broadcast on Friday night, had caused offence, after Djokovic refused to take part in customary on-court interviews following his fourth-round win over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday.

The incident occurred when Jones taunted a group of Djokovic supporters gathered outside the broadcast stand at Melbourne Park.

Jones was filmed singing: “Novak is overrated, Novak is a has-been, Novak kicks him out”.

Novak Djokovic has received an apology from Australian broadcaster Tony Jones after he made comments the Serb didn’t like at the Australian Open

Reuters

The broadcaster later claimed he believed the comments had been “teasing” and said he had issued an immediate private apology to the “Djokovic camp” when he realized they had not been taken as humour.

Djokovic took to social media to explain his decision to decline interviews with Channel 9, citing the broadcaster’s failure to issue a public apology.

“A few days ago, the famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster, Channel 9 here in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments to me,” Djokovic said.

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Novak Djokovic was furious after comments made by Tony Jones at the Australian Open

Channel 9

The tennis star stressed he had “nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public” but felt the situation was “very awkward”.

In his televised apology on Monday, Jones expressed particular regret over the “kick him out” comment, acknowledging it could be interpreted as a reference to Djokovic’s 2022 expulsion due to Covid vaccination status.

“I also have to say that disrespect was extended to the Serbian fans in many ways,” Jones said.

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The presenter expressed remorse for damaging relations with Serbian supporters, stating: “We have built a good relationship with the Serbian fans… I feel that I have let the Serbian fans down.”

Former Wimbledon finalist Pat Rafter suggested the controversy could actually benefit Djokovic’s performance on court.

“I think Novak is in a pretty good headspace, he’s nice and angry. He plays his best tennis when he’s angry,” Rafter said.

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Djokovic is bidding to win an 11th Australian Open title this winter.

Should he manage to go all the way, he will move one Grand Slam clear of Margaret Court with 25 majors to his name.

Novak Djokovic is currently preparing to face Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open

Reuters

Djokovic is set to lock horns with Carlos Alcaraz in a mouth-watering quarter-final showdown on Wednesday.

He lost to the Spaniard in the final at Wimbledon last summer but bounced back by beating his rival to secure gold at the Paris Olympics.