Australian Open presenter apologises after ‘insulting and offensive’ comments caused Novak Djokovic to boycott interview
AUSTRALIAN OPEN presenter Tony Jones has apologised for “insulting and offensive” comments aimed at Novak Djokovic.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner stormed out an on-court interview after beating Jiri Lehecka yesterday and later revealed it was in boycott at Channel 9.
Djokovic’s move came after the station’s host had made shocking remarks about him and his supporters.
Jones was hosting coverage in front of a group of Serbian fans, turning to them and saying that their hero was “overrated” and a “has-been”.
The broadcaster also said “kick him out” in reference to the 2022 scandal that saw Djokovic deported from Australia and banned from the tournament due to him not taking the Covid vaccine.
The 37-year-old tennis icon said the remarks made a “mockery” of his fans and that they were “insulting and offensive”.
Jones has now issued a grovelling apology on live TV this morning, saying: “I was made aware that the Djokovic camp were not happy at all with those comments.
“As such, I contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them, this was 48 hours ago, for any disrespect that Novak felt that I caused.
“I stand by that apology to Novak, if he felt any disrespect, that quite clearly he does.
“To the Serbian fans, we have built up a nice rapport over the year. They bring flags, so much colour, passion and there was banter.
“What I thought I was doing was an extension of that banter. Quite clearly it has not been interpreted that way.
“I feel that I have let down the Serbian fans and I am not saying this to try and wriggle out of trouble. I genuinely feel for those fans.
“If I could turn back time, and I know we have all got PhD’s in hindsight, where I over-stepped the mark, certainly what has angered Novak’s camp, is the last comment ‘kick him out’.
“That has angered Novak, that I completely understand.
“It has been a personal angst for Novak and for me as well. The priority is now to focus on the tennis.
“I can only again tell Novak what I told him 48 hours ago, which is I do apologise if he felt that I disrespected him.”
Jones added that he wants to meet Djokovic’s team in person to discuss matters.
They have accepted the offer but the meeting is yet to materialise.
Djokovic faces Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-final of the Australian Open tomorrow.