Serbia's Novak Djokovic gives back the microphone after speaking on court after winning his men's singles match against Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka at the Australian Open. Photo: Photosport
Tony Jones has issued an apology to Novak Djokovic after the tennis great boycotted an on-court interview over "insulting and offensive comments" by the reporter on Australian Open host broadcaster Channel Nine.
Jones, during a live cross to Nine News Melbourne on Friday, turned around to vocal Serbian fans behind him and said Djokovic was "overrated" and "a has-been", adding "kick him out", apparently referencing the 2022 tournament when the Serb was not allowed to play due to his COVID vaccination status.
Jones said he was joking but Djokovic did not take it kindly, saying he "made a mockery of Serbian fans" and describing the comments about him as "insulting and offensive" after eschewing the traditional on-court TV interview when he beat Jiří Lehečka to advance to the quarterfinals.
The 10-time Australian Open winner said on Sunday the interview boycott would continue until Jones and Nine apologised.
Supporters watch Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the Australian open. Photo: Photosport
On Monday morning, Jones said he considered his comments "banter" or "humour" but that he contacted Djokovic's camp to apologise as soon as he found out he had struck a nerve, which he said happened 48 hours ago.
"As I stand here now, I stand by that apology to Novak, if he felt any disrespect, which quite clearly he does," Jones told Nine.
As far as "making a mockery" of the Serbian fans, Jones said he thought he had a rapport with them.
"Quite clearly that hasn't been interpreted that way, so I do feel as though I've let down the Serbian fans," he said.
"I'm not just saying this to try and wriggle out of trouble or anything. I genuinely feel for those fans. If I could turn back time … in hindsight, I think the one thing where I overstepped the mark and this is certainly what's really sort of angered Novak Djokovic and his camp, is the last comment I made in that back and forth with the crowd: 'Kick him out'.
"That has angered Novak, which I completely understand now. So look, it has been an unfortunate situation, it's been one of personal angst for Novak. It's quite clearly personal angst for me as well, but I just think the priority here now is to focus on the tennis again."
A dejected Novak Djokovic Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Djokovic earlier this month claimed he was "poisoned" by the food he received in quarantine before being deported before the 2022 Australian Open.
Australian Darren Cahill, who currently coaches top-ranked men's player Jannik Sinner, broke down the situation for US viewers on ESPN, which included trying to describe Jones's role hosting The Footy Show.
"I'm sure Tony was trying to be funny, but it was inappropriate and I don't blame Novak for taking offence to that," Cahill said, to which former world number four James Blake agreed.
It was not the first time Jones's name has been invoked unfavourably by a star at this year's Australian Open.
Photo: AFP / WILLIAM WEST
American pantomime villain Danielle Collins was labelled a "brat" by Jones on radio station 3AW after Collins told the crowd to kiss her backside following her second-round win over Australian Destanee Aiava.
"I love this old guy. Tony? Tony Jones? This old … sorry to everybody in the room that's over, like, 70. Sorry," she said.
"I just loved how he called me a 'brat'. And, like, it's just so, like, Gen Z and Millennial right now. It's Charli XCX and I really want him to do the dance that she does. He has to do it. He has to."
The treatment of Collins put the Melbourne Park fans' behaviour in the spotlight, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on ABC Radio Sydney after Djokovic's comments that "there is a place for more respect".
Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
"We need more kindness and generosity and respect, I think that's what people are looking for," he said.
"I think that someone booing a fault is wrong myself, but Australian fans are feisty, it's a great tournament."
- This story was first published by ABC News
