Channel 9 broadcaster issues an apology to Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic in Melbourne is never a sight to miss out on. While the 10 titles he has picked speak of his gaming brilliance at the Australian Open, off-court antics also surround the 24-time Grand Slam champion. The tussle reared its head following the 2022 debacle when Novak Djokovic was deported from the country over his refusal to take the vaccine for COVID-19. Djokovic followed up the drama by returning to Australia and picking up the title victory in 2023. Now, as Djokovic bids for his record 25th Grand Slam title, another controversy has engulfed the 37-year-old star. However, the debacle seems to have settled before Novak Djokovic plays the 2025 Australian Open quarter-final on Tuesday.

Novak Djokovic receives an apology from Channel 9 broadcaster Tony Jones

Novak Djokovic played the Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka in his fourth-round clash at the Australian Open. Despite the crowd being staunchly against Djokovic and trying to divert his focus from the game, Djokovic defeated Lehecka 6-3, 6-3, 7-6. The match followed a rather divisive incident when Channel 9 broadcaster Tony Jones took aim at the Serbian fans. Engaging with the fans, Jones mocked them by taking digs at Djokovic. His comment about the Serbian ace included insinuations about kicking him out of the Grand Slam tournament, which was received poorly, especially in light of Novak's 2022 deportation.

“Novak, he’s overrated. Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out," Jones had said.

Known for his bold stance, Djokovic kept the incident in his mind following his victory over Lehecka in the fourth round. The Serbian refused to speak with Channel 9 representative and former World No.1 Jim Courier in the post-match interview. Channel 9 is the official broadcaster of the Australian Open. In the press conference, Novak Djokovic explained that Tony Jones insulted him and "made a mockery" of the Serbian fans. While he expressed that he had nothing against Courier, he refused to talk to Channel 9 until any significant action was taken on their part.

"A journalist who works for Channel 9 in Australia made a mockery of Serbian fans and made insulting and offensive comments towards me. Since then he chose not to issue any public apology. Neither did Channel 9. So since they are official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9," Djokovic had said. "I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public. It was a very awkward situation for me to face on the court today."

Now, Tony Jones has come forward with a public apology to Novak Djokovic. Jones has resumed his work as the official broadcaster for Channel 9 following the apology. He explained that the remarks were intended as banter and humor. However, he recognized how the statement might have irked the 10-time Australian Open champion. In his clarification, Jones apologized to Djokovic as well as to the Serbian fans. He mentioned issuing an apology to the team after realizing that his comments had rubbed the Serb the wrong way.

“I considered it to be humour, which is consistent with most things I do,” Jones said. “Having said that, I was made aware on the 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. And as I stand here now, I stand by that apology to Novak. I do apologise if he felt that I disrespected him," he added in his long explanation.

Channel 9 also issued an official apology to the star player, expressing its willingness to cover his entire campaign in this edition. Novak Djokovic is set to face Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-final on January 21. While Djokovic vies for his 25th Grand Slam title, Alcaraz is bidding to become the youngest player to complete a career Grand Slam.