Australian TV Host Issues Apology to Djokovic Over 'Offensive, Racist' Comments
The tennis star refused a post-match interview after TV presenter Tony Jones mocked him and Serbian fans, sparking backlash.
Australian television presenter Tony Jones has publicly apologized to Novak Djokovic after making disparaging remarks about the tennis star and his supporters at the Australian Open, leading to widespread criticism from fans and high-profile figures including Elon Musk and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Djokovic, who defeated Jiri Lehecka to secure his place in the quarterfinals on Sunday, refused to participate in the customary post-match interview. He explained that his decision was a protest against comments made by Jones, a leading sports broadcaster for Channel Nine, who had referred to Djokovic as a “has-been” and made other remarks deemed insulting by the Serbian tennis great and his fans.
Jones had made the comments during a broadcast on Friday, when a large group of Serbian fans cheered behind him at Melbourne Park. Jones, responding to their presence, mocked Djokovic, singing, “Novak, he’s overrated … Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out.” He later apologized, attributing his remarks to “banter” and humor.
However, Djokovic expressed his displeasure with the comments, stating he would boycott interviews with Channel Nine until an apology was issued. The tennis star later posted a video on X (formerly Twitter), explaining his stance, which quickly went viral with more than 60 million views. Elon Musk, the owner of X, responded, agreeing with Djokovic's decision and emphasizing the benefits of speaking directly to the public.
Following the backlash, Jones issued a public apology, stating, "The comments were made on the news on Friday night, which I considered to be banter, consistent with my usual style of humor." He added that after being informed by Tennis Australia and Djokovic’s team about their dissatisfaction, he promptly reached out to apologize to them directly. “I stand by that apology,” Jones said.
The veteran broadcaster further acknowledged that his comments had inadvertently offended Serbian fans, and he regretted that the situation had escalated. Channel Nine also issued an apology, clarifying that no harm was intended toward Djokovic or his supporters.
The Serbian Council of Australia, however, condemned Jones’s remarks, calling them “offensive, racist, and inciteful,” and filed a formal complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also weighed in, urging for more “kindness and generosity” and respect in the wake of the controversy. "We need more kindness and generosity across the board. That’s what people are looking for," he said in an interview.
Jones's apology follows a similar incident earlier in the week, where American tennis player Danielle Collins criticized him for calling her a "brat" after she made light of