The presenter at the center of Novak Djokovic’s decision to boycott on-court interviews at the Australian Open has apologized to the 24-time Grand Slam champion, saying that he “overstepped the mark.” Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones was overlooking a group of Serbian fans while recording a dispatch from Melbourne Park Friday night.
Australian broadcaster Tony Jones has apologized to Novak Djokovic for comments he says were intended to be “banter” and “humor.”
Channel 9 host Tony Jones has angered Novak Djokovic’s supporters by going rogue and sledging the Serbian superstar on a live broadcast.
Jones' words made Novak and his army of fans worldwide furious. Djokovic, who likes a good joke himself, did not enjoy Jones' approach! The Serb called it disrespectful and skippe
Channel Nine host Tony Jones apologises for a comment — labelled "insulting and offensive" by Novak Djokovic — that prompted the 24-time major winner to boycott on-court interviews.
Novak Djokovic has accepted Channel 9 host Tony Jones' apology after publicly revealing that he ditched an on-court interview at the Australian Open after feeling disrespected. Following Sunday's win over Jiri Lehecka, the Serb just briefly thanked the crowd for coming to watch and went his way.
Renowned tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg wrote on X: “Tony Jones has “apologised,” but it’s one of those hollow apologies where he apologises for how it made someone feel, not what he did, and he makes clear that he disagrees with the feelings. “I do apologise” shouldn’t become “I do apologise if”.
Novak Djokovic's boycott of the Australian Open host broadcaster has been met with support by some of the sport's biggest names.
Channel 9 sports presenter Tony Jones is the sole reason Novak Djokovic refused to give an on-court interview after his fourth-round Australian Open win over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday night.
Veteran Channel 9 newsreader Tony Jones has been slammed by fans for “disrespecting” Novak Djokovic during his cross on the 6pm news on Friday night. Jones, was reading the sport segment from the Australian Open in front of rowdy Serbian fans, who were getting ready to watch Djokovic’s third-round clash.
Novak Djokovic has received the apologies he wanted from the Australian Open’s local broadcaster and its employee who insulted him on the air.
Djokovic has been known to pick a battle with fans in the crowd because it spurs him to play better, and he often thrives off being public enemy No.1. The 10-time Australian Open champion will meet Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals in Melbourne, but will head into the match as a heavy underdog.