Novak Djokovic: Australian broadcaster Tony Jones apologises to 24-time Grand Slam champion and Serbian followers | Tennis Information
Australian broadcaster Tony Jones has apologised to Novak Djokovic and Serbian tennis followers for feedback he made on TV on Friday night time that the 37-year-old thought of “insulting and offensive”.
Djokovic declined to do the customary on-court interview after his fourth-round victory over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday pending a public apology from Jones and Australian broadcast rights holders Channel 9.
The ten-time Australian Open champion revealed in his post-match press convention that his ire was not directed on the crowd however on the broadcaster following an incident forward of his third-round match when presenter Jones mocked a gaggle of chanting Djokovic followers behind him that had gathered exterior the published sales space at Melbourne Park on Friday, by singing, “Novak is overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out”.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Novak Djokovic defined he’ll boycott on-court interviews on the Australian Open till he receives an apology from the Australian TV broadcaster Channel 9
In an interview on the channel on Monday, Jones mentioned he thought the feedback had been “banter” and he had instantly made a personal apology to the “Djokovic camp” as soon as he realised they’d not been taken in humour.
“I can stand by that apology to Novak,” he mentioned. “I must also say the disrespect was prolonged, in some ways, to the Serbian followers.
“We’ve got constructed up a pleasant rapport with the Serbian followers, and there was banter, and I believed what I used to be doing was an extension of that banter. Fairly clearly that has not been interpreted that approach.
“I really feel as if I’ve let down the Serbian followers.” Jones mentioned the one remark he significantly regretted was “kick him out”, which he accepted may solely be construed as a reference to Djokovic’s deportation from Australia in a row over his Covid vaccination standing in early 2022.
“That has angered Novak which I utterly perceive now,” Jones mentioned.
“It has been an unlucky scenario, it has been one in all private angst for Novak, it is fairly clearly private angst for me as effectively.”
There was no instant response to a request for remark from seventh seed Djokovic, who performs Carlos Alcaraz within the quarter-finals on Tuesday.
On Sunday, Djokovic mentioned he had not obtained a public apology from the broadcaster and would proceed boycotting them till he does.
Djokovic later posted a message on social media reiterating why he declined to talk.
“A few days in the past the well-known sports activities journalist who works for the official broadcaster, Channel 9 right here in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian followers and likewise made insulting and offensive feedback in the direction of me,” mentioned Djokovic.
“And, since then, he selected to not difficulty any public apology. Neither did Channel 9. So, since they’re official broadcasters, I selected to not give interviews for Channel 9.
“I’ve nothing in opposition to Jim Courier or neither the Australian public. It was a really awkward scenario for me to face on the courtroom right now. It is unlucky. I selected to say one thing to the group, however clearly wasn’t the time and area or scenario for me to clarify what I am doing proper now.
“I go away it to Channel 9 to deal with this the way in which they assume they see match.”
Former Wimbledon finalist Pat Rafter believes the row may play within the Serbian’s favour, saying: “I feel Novak’s in a reasonably good head area, he is good and offended. He performs his greatest tennis when he is offended.”
Watch the ATP and WTA Excursions, in addition to the US Open in New York, reside on Sky Sports activities in 2025 or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports activities app, giving Sky Sports activities clients entry to over 50 per cent extra reside sport this 12 months at no additional value. Discover out extra right here.
