A famous television presenter apologised to Novak Djokovic on a broadcast on Monday for criticising the 24-time Grand Slam winner. His Serbian fans at the Australian Open claimed it was all good fun. The 37-year-old tennis legend declined to participate in a normal on-court interview. After he defeated Jiri Lehecka in three sets on Rod Laver Arena Sunday evening to get to the quarterfinals.
Later, he stated that it was in protest of Tony Jones, a renowned sports presenter with host network Channel Nine. The presenter was accused of making “insulting and offensive comments” about him and Serbian fans. Djokovic said he would boycott interviews with the television station unless he received an apology. The veteran announcer was live at Melbourne Park on Friday. After a big gathering of Novak Djokovic supporters waving Serbian flags began cheering behind him.
He later posted a short video on X to clarify his viewpoint to supporters, which has been viewed over 60 million times and piqued the interest of the site’s owner Musk. Tennis stars such as former world number Boris Becker, Australian Nick Kyrgios, Jannik Sinner’s coach Darren Cahill, and Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka have all spoken out in support of Novak Djokovic.
A New Low for Media Ethics
Australia’s Nine Network issued a statement Monday (January 20, 2025) and apologized to Djokovic “for any offense caused by comments made during a recent live cross.” Jones said on Monday, “The comments were made on the news on Friday night, which I considered to be banter. I considered it to be humour, which is consistent with most things I do. Having said that, I was made aware on Saturday morning.”
He further added, “As such I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them 48 hours ago for any disrespect that Novak felt, that I had caused. As I stand here now I can only stand by that apology to Novak. I should also say the disrespect was extended, in many ways, to the Serbian fans.”
