An Australian TV journalist had to express his regret after making fun of Novak Djokovic. Last week, Channel Nine journalist Tony Jones made sarcastic comments about Djokovic to the Serbian crowd outside the broadcast booth at Melbourne Park. At the time, Jones called Djokovic “overrated” and “cannibals.” Jones said at the time, “Welcome back to Melbourne Park, here you can see Novak Djokovic fans.” The journalist then began singing to the cheering Djokovic fans, “Novak is an overrated player. Novak is now junk. Fire Novak. I’m glad they can’t hear me.’
Although the audience in front could not hear Jones, his clip went viral on social media, which did not escape the attention of Djokovic. In response, Djokovic refused to give an interview on the court after losing Iri Leheshka in the fourth round on Sunday. The detractor also publicly apologized to Jones, who owns the most Grand Slam wins.
Describing Jones’ comments as ‘disrespectful and offensive’, Djokovic said: ‘A few days ago a famous sports journalist, who works with Channel Nine, the official broadcaster of the Australian Open, mocked me in front of the Serbian audience and made disrespectful and offensive comments about me. He has not apologized publicly since then. Even Channel Nine didn’t want to. As they are the official broadcaster, I have decided not to give an interview to Channel Nine.’
Djokovic’s tough stance put Channel Nine and Jones in a lot of trouble, which eventually forced Jones to apologize. Jones apologised, saying, ‘Disappointed at the point it has come to. Because, in my opinion, the news that was commented on on Friday night was funny and ironic. It fits with what I do. Anyway, I learned from the Djokovic camp via Tennis Australia on Saturday morning that Djokovic was not happy with what I said. I immediately contacted Djokovic’s team and apologized 48 hours in advance if Djokovic felt any disrespect.’