An Australian broadcaster has issued a grovelling apology after making “insulting and offensive” remarks about Novak Djokovic.
Seething Djokovic caused a stir yesterday by snubbing the customary post-match on-court interview after beating Jiri Lehecka in straight sets to set up a blockbuster quarter-final with Carlos Alcaraz. The 10-time champion was due to speak with Jim Courier but took the microphone and told the Rod Laver Arena crowd: “Thank you very much for being here tonight, I appreciate your presence and support and I will see you in the next round.”
Djokovic then told reporters after the match that he boycotted the interview after Channel Nine host Tony Jones shouted “Novak, he’s overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out” towards the Serbian’s fans while live on air at the Australian Open on Friday. The No.7 seed vowed his stance would continue until he received a public apology – even if he was fined.
Speaking on Monday, Jones held his hands up and revealed he had reached out to Djokovic to try to clear the air. The veteran newsreader said: “I’m disappointed it come to this because the comments were made on the news on the Friday night which I considered to be banter and humour – which is consistent with what I do.
“However, 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. I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them – 48 hours ago – for any disrespect which Novak felt I had caused.
“As I stand here now I stand by that apology to Novak if he feels any disrespect, which he clearly does. The disrespect extends to the Serbian fans – over the years here there has been colour with them and passion and banter, and I thought that was an extension of that banter. Quite clearly that hasn’t been interpreted that way.
“I do feel I’ve let down the Serbian fans. I’m not just saying that to wriggle out of trouble. I genuinely feel for those fans.”
Channel Nine also issued an apology on Monday, saying: “Nine would like to apologise to Novak Djokovic for any offence caused from comments made during a recent live cross. No harm was intended towards Novak or his fans. We look forward to further showcasing his Australian Open campaign at Melbourne Park.”
Tennis Australia added: “Novak acknowledges the apology has been given in public as requested and is now moving on and focusing on his next match.”