Australian Broadcaster Apologizes to Djokovic After On-Air Comments

Channel Nine and presenter Tony Jones have issued public apologies to Novak Djokovic following remarks made during live coverage of the Australian Open that the tennis champion found “insulting and offensive.”

During a live broadcast on Friday, Jones directed comments toward Djokovic fans, saying, “Novak, he’s overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out.” Djokovic refused to participate in the customary post-match interview after his fourth-round victory over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday, citing Channel Nine’s role as tournament broadcasters.

Djokovic called the remarks disrespectful to him and his Serbian fans, stating, “It was a very awkward situation for me.”

Jones addressed the incident during Channel Nine’s Monday broadcast, expressing regret and labeling his comments as “banter and humor” that were misinterpreted.

“I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology 48 hours ago,” Jones said. “I feel I’ve let down Serbian fans and Novak. The ‘kick him out’ comment, which Novak connected to his 2022 deportation, was overstepping the mark.”

He added that he had offered to meet Djokovic in person to apologize and hoped the meeting could happen soon.

Channel Nine also issued a statement, emphasizing that “no harm was intended towards Novak or his fans.” However, the Serbian Council of Australia condemned the remarks as “offensive, racist, and inciting discrimination against Australian-Serbs” and called for Jones to be removed from his role.

Tennis Australia confirmed that Djokovic had acknowledged the public apology and was focusing on his next match. “Novak is moving on and concentrating on his performance,” the organization said.