Novak Djokovic (Image: Getty)
Nick Kyrgios and the Australian PM have become embroiled in the row over ’s interview boycott amid calls for the Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones to be axed.
Jones and the host broadcaster today apologised for his on-air comments about Serbian fans made last Friday which Djokovic called “insulting and offensive”.
Jones had sung “Novak, he’s over-rated! Novak’s a has-been! Novak, kick him out!” during a live broadcast showing Serbian fans celebrating Djokovic’s win.
The ten-time refused his post-match interview after his fourth round win here on Sunday in protest and the issue was still the talk of Melbourne Park today.
Djokovic’s friend Nick Kyrgios tweeted: “Why is it always the most un athletic people calling out the best athletes in the world.”
While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “I think is certainly a fine tennis player, there’s no question about that, and I do think that there is a place for more respect.
“I’ve seen the comments that were made by the broadcaster. We need more kindness and generosity and respect just across the board. I think that’s what people are looking for.”
Tony Jones has apologised for this comments (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Jones went on Monday morning’s Channel Nine news to claim his remarks were “banter” but claimed he had already sent an apology to the Djokovic camp on Saturday.
“I considered it to be humour, which is consistent with most things I do,” Jones said. “Having said that, I was made aware on Saturday morning from Tennis Australia via the Djokovic camp that the Djokovic camp was not happy at all with those comments.
“As such, I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them. And as I stand here now, I stand by that apology to Novak. I do apologise if he felt that I disrespected him. If I could turn back time, and I know we’ve all got PhDs in hindsight, the one thing where I overstepped the mark … is the last comment I made,” he said.
“I can stand here and put whatever spin on that, but it can only be interpreted as a throwback to the years when he was kicked out. Now, that has angered Novak, which I completely understand.”
Before the tournament, Djokovic revisited his 2022 deportation from Australia in two interviews where he claimed he still felt “trauma” coming through immigration here and then claiming he was poisoned while in detention.
Channel Nine’s statement read: “Nine would like to apologise to for any offence caused from comments made during a recent live cross. No harm was intended towards Novak or his fans. We look forward to further showcasing his campaign at Melbourne Park.”
Djokovic will play in the quarter-finals on Tuesday and it is not yet known if the apology is sufficient for him to speak to Channel Nine again.
But the Serbian Council of Australia has submitted a formal complaint to the Human Rights Commission over the remarks – and called for Jones to be sacked.
SCA board member Dr Nina Markovic told ABC Radio: “It was absolutely offensive to all sports fans, not just in the Australian Serbian community but everyone who loves to watch global sports. Djokovic came with his family to Australia. He is the guest here. We are the hosts. For him to encounter again vilification, it’s really unacceptable.
“The Serbian Council of Australia is deeply concerned that the comments made by Tony Jones will encourage vilification of Aussie Serbs as has happened in 2022. We would like relevant authorities to investigate whether the conduct of Mr Jones falls short of the professional standards of media code of conduct. We believe that this could have been in breach of section 18c of the Racial Discrimination Act, and section 20c of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.”