A number one TV presenter issued an on-air apology on Monday to Novak Djokovic after mocking the 24-time Grand Slam champion and his Serbian supporters throughout the Australian Open. He expressed remorse over the misunderstanding, calling it an “unlucky scenario.”
The remarks, initially supposed as banter, sparked controversy and led Djokovic to boycott a routine post-match interview.
The 37-year-old tennis legend declined to take part within the customary on-court interview after his straight-sets victory over Jiri Lehecka at Rod Laver Area on Sunday night, securing a spot within the quarter-finals.
Djokovic later defined his determination was a protest towards Tony Jones, a number one sports activities presenter for Channel 9, accusing him of creating “insulting and offensive feedback” about him and his Serbian followers.
Djokovic introduced he would keep away from interviews with the broadcaster till an apology was issued.
On Monday, Jones addressed the difficulty, saying, “The feedback had been made throughout the information on Friday evening, and I supposed them as banter—humour in step with what I normally do. Nevertheless, I used to be knowledgeable by Tennis Australia through Djokovic’s camp on Saturday morning that they had been deeply sad with these remarks.”
Jones stated he promptly reached out to Djokovic’s camp and apologised. “I issued an apology to Novak 48 hours in the past for any disrespect he felt I brought about. In the present day, I wish to publicly reiterate that apology,” he stated.
The incident happened throughout a reside broadcast from Melbourne Park on Friday, the place a bunch of Djokovic supporters waving Serbian flags cheered within the background. In response, Jones jokingly sang, “Novak, he is overrated … Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out.”
Jones later admitted that he “overstepped the mark” with the ultimate comment, reported the Guardian.
Reflecting on his feedback, Jones acknowledged they had been offensive. “The disrespect prolonged, in some ways, to the Serbian followers as nicely. We’ve established an excellent rapport with the Serbian supporters, and I assumed my remarks had been a continuation of that light-hearted banter. Clearly, they weren’t acquired that manner.”
“I really feel I’ve let down the Serbian followers,” he added. “It’s an unlucky scenario, and I remorse the misunderstanding.”
