Broadcaster Apologizes to Djokovic After On-Air Comments

Novak Djokovic during a press conference at the Australian Open.

Novak Djokovic has received a public apology from Australian broadcaster Tony Jones following comments that the 24-time Grand Slam champion described as “insulting and offensive.” The incident occurred during the Australian Open when Jones, speaking on Channel Nine, made remarks that targeted Djokovic and his Serbian fans. The broadcaster referred to Djokovic as “overrated” and a “has-been” and added, “Novak, kick him out,” while addressing Djokovic’s supporters live on air.

The remarks sparked an immediate backlash, with Djokovic refusing to participate in his customary on-court interview after his fourth-round victory against Jiri Lehecka. As Channel Nine is the tournament’s official broadcaster, Djokovic’s decision highlighted the severity of the situation. In a post-match press conference, the 37-year-old tennis star expressed his displeasure, stating that Jones had “made a mockery of Serbian fans” and had directed “insulting and offensive comments” toward him. Djokovic described the ordeal as “a very awkward situation.”

In response, Tony Jones addressed the controversy during a live segment on Channel Nine, where he apologized to Djokovic and his fans. Jones explained that he intended his comments to be banter, consistent with his usual on-air style. However, he acknowledged that the remarks were poorly received. “I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and apologized to them for any disrespect Novak felt I had caused,” Jones said. “As I stand here now, I stand by that apology to Novak if he feels any disrespect, which he does.”

Jones elaborated on the context of his comments, admitting that his “kick him out” remark could be interpreted as referencing Djokovic’s deportation from Australia in 2022 due to COVID-19 regulations. “That has angered Novak – I completely understand that,” Jones remarked, adding that he felt he had “overstepped the mark.” He also expressed regret for any offense caused to Serbian fans, noting that he intended to reflect the vibrant passion and enthusiasm they bring to the tournament. “I do feel I’ve let down the Serbian fans. I genuinely feel for those fans,” Jones added.

Channel Nine also formally apologized, emphasizing that no harm was intended toward Djokovic or his supporters. However, the Serbian Council of Australia has condemned Jones’s comments as “offensive, racist and only serving to incite further discrimination against Australian-Serbs.” The council has called for Jones’s dismissal in light of the incident.

As tensions unfolded, Tennis Australia confirmed that Djokovic had acknowledged the public apology and shifted his focus to his next match. Djokovic, a 10-time champion at Melbourne Park, is set to face world number three Carlos Alcaraz in a highly anticipated quarter-final clash. In his remarks, Jones expressed his hope that Djokovic could move past the controversy and focus on his performance. “He has an amazing match, and I hope he can focus on that,” Jones said.

Despite the apology, the controversy has left lingering tensions, with Jones acknowledging the need for further reconciliation. “I agreed to meet him in person, but that hasn’t transpired yet. I hope it will happen in the next 24 hours,” Jones noted. As Djokovic prepares for his next challenge on the court, the focus now shifts back to the sport, leaving the broader implications of the controversy to unfold in its aftermath.