Novak Djokovic’s feelings on Australian broadcaster’s apology revealed after fiery row

On January 20, 2025By Littum

Novak Djokovic is ‘moving on’ after receiving an apology from Australian broadcaster Tony Jones following a controversial altercation over the weekend.

Jones, who works for Australia’s Channel Nine, sparked fury from the Serb by shouting “Novak, he’s overrated, Novak has been, Novak kicks him out” at Serbian fans while live on air.

He has since apologized for his actions, saying: “I’m disappointed it came to this because the comments were made on the Friday night news, which I considered teasing and humor – which is in line with what I do .

“But I was made aware on Saturday morning by Tennis Australia via the Djokovic camp that the Djokovic camp was not at all happy with those comments.

Novak Djokovic ‘moving on’ after receiving apology from Australian broadcaster Tony Jones following controversial weekend spat

Reuters

“I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them – 48 hours ago – for any disrespect that Novak felt I had caused.

“As I stand here now, I stand by that apology to Novak if he feels disrespected, which he clearly does.

“The disrespect extends to the Serbian fans – over the years here there has been color with them and passion and banter and I thought it was an extension of that banter.

“It has clearly not been interpreted that way.

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“I feel like I’ve let the Serbian fans down. I’m not just saying that to get out of trouble. I really feel for those fans.”

Channel Nine also issued an apology. They said: “Nine would like to apologize to Novak Djokovic for any offense caused by comments made during a recent live cross. No harm was intended towards Novak or his fans.

“We look forward to further showcasing his Australian Open campaign at Melbourne Park.”

And Djokovic, it seems, is now ready to drop the case.

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According to Tennis Australia, the 37-year-old has ‘acknowledged that the apology has been made publicly as requested’.

And he now moves on and focuses on his next fight.

Of course, controversy involving Djokovic in Australia is nothing new.

He was previously kicked out of the country in 2022 for his stance on the coronavirus vaccine, much to anger and dismay.

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Novak Djokovic has received an apology from Tony Jones and Channel Nine

CHANNEL

Djokovic had arrived Down Under expecting to play in the tournament.

But with strict rules and regulations in place, he was eventually sent home.

At one point it appeared that the 24-time Grand Slam winner would be banned for three years.

However, that was overturned at the end of 2022, with the former world number 1 then responding by saying he ‘cannot forget’ the way he was treated.

Novak Djokovic is currently preparing for his Australian Open showdown with Carlos Alcaraz

Reuters

Djokovic is next in action against Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday.

He lost to the Spaniard in the final at Wimbledon last year, but was able to avenge that defeat weeks later at the Paris Olympics.