Australian broadcaster Tony Jones has expressed regret to Novak Djokovic and Serbian tennis supporters for remarks he made on TV on Friday night that the 37-year-old found “insulting and offensive.”
Djokovic refused to participate in the usual on-court interview following his fourth-round win against Jiri Lehecka on Sunday until he receives a public apology from Jones and Australian broadcasting rights holders Channel 9.
The 10-time Australian Open champion disclosed in his post-match press conference that his frustration was aimed not at the crowd but at the broadcaster after an incident before his third-round match. Presenter Jones ridiculed a group of Djokovic supporters who had congregated outside the broadcast booth at Melbourne Park on Friday by singing, “Novak is overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out.”
During an interview on the channel on Monday, Jones expressed that he believed the remarks were merely “banter” and that he quickly gave a private apology to the “Djokovic camp” as soon as he understood they were not perceived as a joke.
“I can support that apology to Novak,” he stated. “I must also mention that the disrespect was directed, in numerous ways, towards the Serbian fans.”
We have established a good relationship with the Serbian fans, and there was some teasing, so I believed what I was doing was a continuation of that teasing. It is evident that it has not been understood in that manner.
“I feel like I’ve disappointed the Serbian supporters.” Jones noted that the remark he especially regretted was “kick him out,” which he acknowledged could solely be interpreted as referring to Djokovic’s deportation from Australia during a dispute over his Covid vaccination status in early 2022.
“That has upset Novak, which I totally comprehend now,” Jones remarked.
“It’s been a regrettable circumstance; it has caused personal distress for Novak, and it’s evidently personal distress for me too.”
On Sunday, Djokovic stated that he had yet to receive a public apology from the broadcaster and would persist in boycotting them until that happens.
Djokovic seems poised to alter his position if he triumphs over Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday, as a representative from Tennis Australia noted: “Novak recognizes that the apology was made publicly as asked and is now shifting his attention to the upcoming match.”
Djokovic subsequently shared a post on social media explaining again his reasons for refusing to comment.
“A few days back, the well-known sports journalist from the official broadcaster, Channel 9 in Australia, ridiculed Serbian fans and directed insulting and offensive remarks towards me,” Djokovic stated.
“And, from that point on, he decided against making any public apology.” Channel 9 didn’t either. Therefore, because they are official broadcasters, I decided against giving interviews for Channel 9.
“I hold no animosity towards Jim Courier or the Australian public.” Today, I found myself in a rather uncomfortable situation on the court. That’s too bad. I decided to speak to the audience, but clearly, this wasn’t the appropriate time, place, or context for me to clarify what I’m currently doing.
“I entrust Channel 9 to manage this in the manner they believe is appropriate.”
Former Wimbledon finalist Pat Rafter thinks the dispute might work to the Serbian’s advantage, stating: “I believe Novak’s in a solid mental state; he’s quite angry.” “He performs his finest tennis when he’s upset.”
