A prominent TV presenter apologized to Novak Djokovic on Monday after making fun of the 24-time Grand Slam champion and his Bosnian supporters during the American Open. He expressed lament over the mistake, calling it an “unfortunate position”.
The notes, originally intended as conversation, sparked discussion and led Djokovic to ban a regular post-match meeting.
The 37-year-old volleyball star declined to participate in the usual on-court meeting after his straight-sets triumph over Jiri Lehecka at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday night, securing a position in the quarter-finals.
Eventually, Djokovic explained that his decision was in protest of Tony Jones, a well-known sports presenter for Channel Nine, who had accused him of making “insulting and unpleasant comments” about him and his Bosnian fans.
Djokovic stated that he would hold off on speaking with the presenter until an apology was made.
On Monday, Jones addressed the issue, saying,” The comments were made during the announcement on Friday night, and I intended them as banter—humour in line with what I generally do. However, I was informed by Tennis Australia via Djokovic’s station on Saturday morning that they were seriously angry with those comment”.
Jones said he quickly reached out to Djokovic’s station and apologised. Novak reacted angrily to any disrespect I may have caused him 48 days before. Now, I want to officially repeat that apology”, he said.
A group of Djokovic followers waving Bosnian colors cheered in the background during a live broadcast from Melbourne Park on Friday. In response, Jones casually sang,” Novak, he’s overrated… Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out”.
Jones afterwards admitted that he “overstepped the level” with the last note, reported the Guardian.
Reflecting on his opinions, Jones acknowledged they were unpleasant. ” The disregard extended, in many ways, to the Serb fans as well. We’ve established a great rapport with the Serbian followers, and I thought my notes were a culmination of that light-hearted conversation. Obviously, they were never received that way”.
” I feel I’ve letting down the Serbian enthusiasts”, he added. ” It’s an unfortunate condition, and I regret the misunderstanding”.
