An Australian broadcaster has extended an apology to Novak Djokovic and Serbian tennis supporters after labeling the 24-time Grand Slam victor as “overrated” and a “has-been”.
Djokovic, 37, declined to participate in a traditional post-match interview with Channel Nine’s Jim Courier following his victory over Jiri Lehecka from the Czech Republic at the Australian Open on Sunday.
During a press conference, he clarified that his frustration was aimed not at the audience, but at another Channel Nine presenter, Tony Jones, who reportedly ridiculed a group of enthusiastic fans on Friday by singing: “Novak is overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out.”
The tennis icon mentioned that he also communicated with Craig Tiley, the head of Tennis Australia, indicating that he was willing to accept a fine should the organization choose to impose one for his refusal to give the interview.
Without naming Mr. Jones, Djokovic later took to X on Sunday to express that the remarks “disrespected Serbian fans” and were “derogatory and inappropriate” towards him.
He expressed his desire for a public apology and stated that he would refrain from interacting with Mr. Jones and the Nine Network until “appropriate action is taken”.
Appearing on the Today show on Monday, Mr. Jones offered an apology, contending that he intended the remarks as “humorous banter”.
Channel Nine presenter Tony Jones described his remarks as ‘banter’. Pic: AP/Mark Baker
“I interpreted it as humor, which aligns with much of my work,” he remarked. “However, I became aware … that the Djokovic camp was extremely displeased with those statements.
“I promptly reached out to the Djokovic team and offered them an apology. And as I stand here now, I reaffirm that apology to Novak.”
He also expressed regret for feeling as though he had “failed the Serbian supporters”.
Djokovic and Jiri Lehecka exchange handshakes following Sunday’s match. Pic: Reuters/Edgar Su
He stated that the remark he particularly regretted was “kick him out,” which he acknowledged could only be interpreted in reference to Djokovic’s deportation from Australia during a controversy regarding his Covid vaccination status in early 2022, as reported by Sky Sports News.
Australia’s Nine Network also released a statement on Monday, expressing apologies to Djokovic for “any distress caused by comments made during a recent live broadcast.”
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They stated: “There was no malicious intent towards Novak or his supporters. We eagerly look forward to showcasing his Australian Open journey at Melbourne Park.”
Djokovic is set to face the third seed Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.
