Aussie broadcaster Tony Jones issues on-air apology to Novak Djokovic for his 'insulting' remarks over Serbian fans

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic refused to do a customary post-match interview at the 2025 Australian Open on January 19 after his stellar win in the pre-quarters to protest comments made by the Aussie broadcaster and presenters of the tournament. The Serbian ace said that he wants an apology from Channel Nine and well-known TV broadcaster Tony Jones, who called Djokovic overrated and mocked Serbian fans with nasty words during his on-air appearance at Melbourne Park, where a crowd with Serbian flags supported the 24-time Grand Slam winner.

After beating Jiri Lehecka in a straight set at the Rod Laver Arena to reach the quarter-finals on January 19, the Serbian ace was expected to speak to Jim Courier on television, but it didn't happen and was baffled. Later, Djokovic sought apologies from the broadcaster and began with a statement telling reporters why he didn't do the interview and clarifying he was upset by Tony Jones's comments.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic breaks silence on not giving on-court interview after moving into quarter-finals

When a reporter from the broadcaster of AO insults Novak, his country, and his fans and says 'Kick him Out',
The broadcaster takes no action against the reporter and he doesn't even apologize then what do you expect?

Novak absolutely did the right thing.pic.twitter.com/HXGqTNSU7s

— Rishi Kumar 🇮🇳 (@rishi45kumar) January 19, 2025

I do feel as though I’ve let down the Serbian fans: Tony Jones

Tony Jones from Chanel 9 apologizes for his words towards Novak Djokovic and the serbian fans. pic.twitter.com/vuMenLipqN

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 20, 2025

In the same vein, Tony Jones appeared on Channel Nine on Monday to apologize to tennis legend Novak Djokovic and said he meant the comments as pure banter. The TV host further apologized to Serbian fans who didn't interpret his comments as humorous.

“I considered it to be humour, which is consistent with most things. Having said that, I was made aware ... that the Djokovic camp was not happy at all with those comments. I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them. And as I stand here now, I stand by that apology to Novak. I do feel as though I’ve let down the Serbian fans. I’m not just saying this to try and wriggle out of trouble or anything. I genuinely feel for those fans,” Jones said. 

Also Read: Novak Djokovic storms into his 15th quarter-final with win over Jiri Lehecka