Novak Djokovic has acquired an apology from Channel 9 broadcaster Tony Jones, who made feedback the 24-time Grand Slam champion deemed “insulting and offensive”.
He revealed afterwards that he made the choice as a result of he felt Jones had “made a mockery of Serbian followers and in addition made insulting and offensive feedback in direction of me” whereas dwell on air on the Australian Open.
Jones shouted “Novak, he is overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out” as Serbian followers celebrated behind him.
Jones issued an apology on Channel 9 on Monday, saying he was sorry for “any disrespect”.
“Nonetheless, I used to be made conscious on the Saturday morning from Tennis Australia, by way of the Djokovic camp, that the Djokovic camp was not glad in any respect with these feedback.
“I instantly contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them – 48 hours in the past – for any disrespect which Novak felt I had brought about.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2025/01/19/4086448-82866613-2560-1440.jpg)
Watch as Djokovic speaks to event director after skipping post-match interview
Video credit score: Eurosport
“As I stand right here now, I stand by that apology to Novak if he feels any disrespect, which he clearly does.
“The disrespect extends to the Serbian followers – over time right here there was color with them and fervour and banter, and I assumed that was an extension of that banter. Fairly clearly that hasn’t been interpreted that approach.
“I do really feel I’ve let down the Serbian followers. I am not simply saying that to wriggle out of bother. I genuinely really feel for these followers.”
Djokovic, who faces Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster quarter-final match on Tuesday, was deported from Australia three years in the past due to Covid-19 laws.
Jones stated he had “overstepped the mark” together with his “kick him out” remark.
“That has angered Novak – I fully perceive that,” stated Jones.
“It has been an unlucky state of affairs and one in all private angst for Novak and private angst for me as properly. The precedence now could be to deal with the tennis. He has an incredible match and I hope he can deal with that.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2025/01/19/4086549-82868633-2560-1440.jpg)
Djokovic clarifies on-court interview incident, eyes ‘battle’ with Alcaraz in quarters
Video credit score: Eurosport
“I can solely once more inform Novak what I advised him 48 hours in the past which is I do apologise if he feels I disrespected him.
“I agreed to satisfy him in particular person, they got here again and sure, that hasn’t transpired but however I hope it should occur within the subsequent 24 hours.”
Tennis Australia added: “Novak acknowledges the apology has been given in public as requested and is now shifting on and specializing in his subsequent match.”
