TV Host Issues On-Air Apology to Djokovic Over ‘Insulting’ Comments

AFP/APP

Melbourne: A leading TV presenter issued an on-air apology to Novak Djokovic on Monday, after mocking the 24-time Grand Slam winner and his Serbian fans during the Australian Open.

The apology came after Djokovic declined a routine on-court interview following his victory over Jiri Lehecka, which saw him advance to the quarter-finals. Djokovic cited “insulting and offensive comments” made by Tony Jones, a top sports presenter with Channel Nine, as the reason for his protest.

Jones had made the comments during a live broadcast on Friday when a group of Djokovic’s fans, waving Serbian flags, cheered behind him. He sang sarcastically, “Novak, he’s overrated … Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out,” which Djokovic later claimed was disrespectful to both him and his supporters.

In his apology, Jones explained that he thought his remarks were part of a humorous banter, but upon learning that the Djokovic camp was unhappy with the comments, he reached out to apologize. “I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them—48 hours ago—for any disrespect that Novak felt I had caused,” he said.

The Serbian Council of Australia had issued a strong statement condemning Jones’s comments, calling them “offensive, racist,” and damaging to the relationship between Australians and Serbs. The group also filed a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Jones also apologized for disrespecting the Serbian fans, expressing regret over the situation. “I feel as though I’ve let down the Serbian fans. It has been an unfortunate situation.”

The controversy was compounded by criticism from American player Danielle Collins, who took issue with Jones labeling her a “brat” following her defeat of Australian player Destanee Aiava at the Australian Open.