:focal(1326x489:1328x487)/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2025/01/20/4087088-82879408-2560-1440.jpg?ssl=1 "Djokovic receives apology from Australian broadcaster after 'insulting' feedback")
Novak Djokovic has acquired an apology from Channel 9 broadcaster Tony Jones, who made feedback the 24-time Grand Slam champion deemed “insulting and offensive”.
He revealed afterwards that he made the choice as a result of he felt Jones had “made a mockery of Serbian followers and likewise made insulting and offensive feedback in the direction of me” whereas dwell on air on the Australian Open.
Jones shouted “Novak, he is overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out” as Serbian followers celebrated behind him.
Jones issued an apology on Channel 9 on Monday, saying he was sorry for “any disrespect”.
“Nonetheless, I used to be made conscious on the Saturday morning from Tennis Australia, through the Djokovic camp, that the Djokovic camp was not blissful in any respect with these feedback.
“I instantly contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them – 48 hours in the past – for any disrespect which Novak felt I had precipitated.
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Video credit score: Eurosport
“As I stand right here now, I stand by that apology to Novak if he feels any disrespect, which he clearly does.
“The disrespect extends to the Serbian followers – through the years right here there was color with them and fervour and banter, and I assumed that was an extension of that banter. Fairly clearly that hasn’t been interpreted that method.
“I do really feel I’ve let down the Serbian followers. I am not simply saying that to wriggle out of bother. I genuinely really feel for these followers.”
Djokovic, who faces Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster quarter-final match on Tuesday, was deported from Australia three years in the past due to Covid-19 laws.
Jones mentioned he had “overstepped the mark” along with his “kick him out” remark.
“That has angered Novak – I fully perceive that,” mentioned Jones.
“It has been an unlucky scenario and one in every of private angst for Novak and private angst for me as properly. The precedence now could be to concentrate on the tennis. He has a tremendous match and I hope he can concentrate on that.
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Video credit score: Eurosport
“I can solely once more inform Novak what I instructed him 48 hours in the past which is I do apologise if he feels I disrespected him.
“I agreed to fulfill him in individual, they got here again and sure, that hasn’t transpired but however I hope it should occur within the subsequent 24 hours.”
Tennis Australia added: “Novak acknowledges the apology has been given in public as requested and is now transferring on and specializing in his subsequent match.”