Australian Open Commentator Apologizes to Novak Djokovic

story

JAN 21

Above: Novak Djokovic reacts against Jiri Lehecka in the Men's Singles Fourth Round match during day eight of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Jan. 19, 2025. Image copyright: Michael Willson/Contributor/Getty Images Sport via Getty Imagesstory last updated JAN 21

The Facts

Tony Jones, a veteran commentator for Australia's Channel 9, issued an apology on Monday to the 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic and to Serbian fans for any offense caused by controversial comments made live on air.
This comes after Djokovic boycotted the customary post-match on-court interview at the Australian Open with the official broadcaster Channel 9 after defeating Jiri Lehecka on Sunday.
The tennis star later explained that he was upset with a "famous sports journalist who works for [...] Channel 9" who he claims "made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards" Djokovic himself.

The Spin

Narrative A

While these public apologies likely end this issue, their hollow content reveals that neither Tony Jones nor Channel 9 conceded that the Friday comments were offensive toward Djokovic and his fans. Perhaps even more shameful is that Jones claimed he had privately apologized before the boycott.

New York Post

Narrative B

Djokovic is one of the greatest tennis players ever. So, when he's called overrated, a has-been, and someone who must be kicked out, it's clearly just banter — albeit perhaps in bad taste. Had Djokovic simply laughed off the joke, it likely wouldn't have garnered much attention. Instead, his overreaction turned it into a bigger story than it needed to be.

Spectator (UK)