Aussie broadcaster at centre of 'insulting' Novak Djokovic row responds after Serbian star boycotts on-court interviews
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An Australian TV presenter at the heart of Novak Djokovic's Australian Open interview row apologised for his remarks but insisted they have been 'misinterpreted'. Djokovic has launched a dramatic boycott of on-court media duties in Melbourne until he receives an apology from Channel 9, the host broadcaster.
![[Djokovic issued a brief message to the crowd after beating Jiri Lehecka in the third round]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/19/13/94262291-14301977-image-m-50_1737293024306.jpg)
He believes reporter Tony Jones 'made a mockery' of Serbian spectators at the tournament and described his comments as 'insulting and offensive'. On Friday, Jones was presenting in front of a group of Djokovic supporters at Melbourne Park. 'Welcome back to Melbourne Park, where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans, they're in full voice,' Jones said. 'The chants are quite extraordinary.'.
![[The Serb wants an apology from Channel 9 after controversial comments from Tony Jones]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/19/13/94262249-14301977-image-a-51_1737293035002.jpg)
He then turned to face them and pantomimed some sledging chants of his own. 'Novak, he's overrated,' Jones sang. 'Novak's a has-been. Novak, kick him out. Boy, I'm glad they can't hear me. Anyway, let's get on to the tennis.'. Novak Djokovic will boycott Australian Open on-court interviews after 'insulting' remarks.
![[He believes Jones 'made a mockery' of Serbian spectators at the tournament]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/19/13/94262283-14301977-image-m-54_1737293052221.jpg)
Djokovic issued a brief message to the crowd after beating Jiri Lehecka in the third round. The Serb wants an apology from Channel 9 after controversial comments from Tony Jones. His behaviour triggered a fierce backlash and the 63-year-old broke his silence on the controversy after being contacted by Serbian publication Sport Klub.
![[Djokovic later clarified his stance in his post-match press conference in Melbourne]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/19/13/94262257-14301977-image-a-53_1737293050439.jpg)
'Unfortunately, my "humor" the other night was misinterpreted as an attack on Novak,' he said. 'That was certainly not the case. I've been joking with Serbian fans throughout the tournament and this is – at least I thought so – a continuation of that.
![[His win over Lehecka set up a blockbuster quarter-final tie against Carlos Alcaraz]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/19/13/94262301-14301977-image-a-55_1737293077326.jpg)
