An Australian broadcaster has apologised to Novak Djokovic and Serbian tennis followers after calling the 24-time Grand Slam champion “overrated” and a “has-been”.
Djokovic, 37, refused to present a customary post-match interview to Channel 9 anchor Jim Courier after beating Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic on the Australian Open on Sunday.
He stated in a press convention his annoyance was not directed on the crowd however one other Channel 9 presenter, Tony Jones, who allegedly mocked a gaggle of chanting followers on Friday by singing: “Novak is overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out.”
The tennis star stated that he additionally spoke to Craig Tiley, the pinnacle of Tennis Australia, telling him he would settle for a nice for him not giving the interview, if the physique determined to difficulty one.
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Not referring to Mr Jones by identify, Djokovic later posted on X on Sunday to say the feedback “made a mockery of Serbian fans” and had been “insulting and offensive” in the direction of him.
He stated he hoped for a public apology and that he would proceed to keep away from chatting with Mr Jones and the 9 Community till “something is done”.
Showing on the In the present day programme on Monday, Mr Jones provided that apology, saying he meant the feedback as “banter”.
Picture:
Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones stated his feedback had been ‘banter’. Pic: AP/Mark Baker
“I considered it to be humour, which is consistent with most things I do,” he stated. “Having said that, I was made aware … that the Djokovic camp was not happy at all with those comments.
“I instantly contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them. And as I stand right here now, I stand by that apology to Novak.”
He additionally stated he felt he had “let down the Serbian fans”.
Picture:
Djokovic and Jiri Lehecka shake palms after Sunday’s match. Pic: Reuters/Edgar Su
Australia’s 9 Community additionally issued an announcement Monday and apologised to Djokovic “for any offence caused from comments made during a recent live cross”.
It stated: “No harm was intended towards Novak or his fans. We look forward to further showcasing his Australian Open campaign at Melbourne Park.”
Djokovic is scheduled to play no 3 seed Carlos Alcaraz within the quarter-finals on Tuesday.
