Australian Open: Journalist apologises to Novak Djokovic over ‘insulting comments’

Channel 9 host Tony Jones has issued an apology to Novak Djokovic after the Serbian tennis star accused him of making “insulting comments” about him and Serbian people.

The 10-time Australian Open champion refused to do a regular post-match chat after beating Jiri Lehecka in three sets on Rod Laver Arena to make the quarter-finals.

Instead, he took the microphone from interviewer Jim Courier, made a quick statement thanking the crowd and walked off to a smattering of boos.

Djokovic explained the decision in a post-match press conference.

“[A] couple days ago, the famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster Channel Nine here in Australia made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me,” he said, not naming him but appearing to reference Tony Jones.

“And since then, he chose not to issue any public apology. Neither did Channel Nine. So since they’re official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel Nine.

“I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public,” Djokovic added.

“It was a very awkward situation for me to face on the court today.”

Sports broadcaster Tony Jones. Photo / Getty Images

Jones on Monday spoke out during an interview on Nine’s Today Show.

He claimed he had already apologised to the Serbian star’s camp more than 24 hours before Djokovic’s walk-off, but reiterated that he meant no disrespect toward him.

“If I could just give you a bit of a timeline here — the comments were made on the news on the Friday night, which I considered to be banter. I considered it to be humour. Which is consistent with most things I do, whether it be the Sunday Footy Show or on the morning show or here.

“Having said that, I was made aware on Saturday morning from Tennis Australia via the Djokovic camp, that the Djokovic camp was not happy at all with those comments.

“As such, I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them, so this is 48 hours ago.

“But any disrespect that Novak felt that I caused and as I stand here now I stand by that apology to Novak if he felt any disrespect, which clearly he does.”

Novak Djokovic speaks to the crowd following victory against Jiri Lehecka. Photo / Getty Images

According to media, Djokovic’s supporters were angered on Friday when Jones made fun of them and the 24-time grand slam winner while on air, calling the Serb a “has-been”.

“Welcome back to Melbourne Park, where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans, they’re in full voice. The chants are quite extraordinary,” he said.

Jones then turned around and began singing to the crowd, live on air.

“Novak, he’s overrated,” Jones sang.

“Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out.

“Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me. Anyway, let’s get onto the tennis.”

Djokovic said he had since been in touch with tournament chief Craig Tiley and was willing to accept a fine for not doing the on-court interviews.

“That’s okay, I’ll accept that because I feel like this is something that needs to be done. That’s all there is to it,” he said.

– with AFP