Now that the apology has been accepted and the controversy settled, Djokovic is fully focused on his quarterfinal match, signaling that his sole attention is on his tennis and the remainder of the tournament.
Novak Djokovic has accepted a public apology from Channel 9 and its
presenter Tony Jones following comments made after his fourth-round victory
at the Australian Open that led to the Serbian tennis star boycotting the
broadcaster.
The controversy began when Jones, in a viral video, turned to the Serbian fans
who were loudly supporting Djokovic and made three disparaging remarks
about the tennis star, including an inappropriate comment referencing a
sensitive incident. Jones said, “Novak, he’s overrated! Novak’s a has-been!
Novak, kick him out!” The final comment, “kick him out,” was widely
understood to refer to Djokovic’s 2022 deportation from Australia, after his
detainment in an immigration hotel due to his COVID vaccination status.
These comments sparked anger from Djokovic, who chose to boycott an on-
court interview with Jim Courier following his victory because neither Jones
nor Channel 9 had apologized for the remarks. Djokovic felt that not only was
the comment disrespectful to him, but it was also offensive to his dedicated
Serbian fanbase, who had been chanting in his support.
In response, Channel 9 issued a brief public apology, expressing regret for any
offense caused and clarifying that no harm was intended to Djokovic or his
fans. However, Jones personally addressed the incident in more detail,
explaining the situation during an appearance on Channel 9. Jones admitted
that he considered his remarks to be lighthearted banter, typical of his usual
interactions with audiences on shows like the “Sunday Footy Show” or his
morning show. He revealed that he was made aware of Djokovic’s
dissatisfaction by Tennis Australia and immediately contacted Djokovic’s team
to offer a personal apology.
“I was disappointed that it came to this,” said Jones, explaining that he was
unaware the comments would be perceived as disrespectful. “The comments
were made in the spirit of banter, but I now understand how they were
misinterpreted, particularly the reference to ‘kick him out,’ which clearly
resonated with the past events surrounding Novak’s deportation.”
Jones also acknowledged the impact of his remarks on Djokovic’s Serbian
supporters, explaining that he had developed a friendly rapport with them
over the years. He expressed regret for disappointing them as well. “I thought
it was all part of the usual banter with the crowd, but clearly, it wasn’t seen
that way,” Jones admitted. “I feel like I’ve let down the Serbian fans who’ve
been so supportive of me.”
The most controversial part of the incident was the “kick him out” remark,
which Djokovic and his team found particularly offensive. Jones later
reflected, admitting that this comment was linked to the painful deportation
incident and understood why it upset Djokovic. “I can see how that comment
would remind Novak of his deportation, and I regret it deeply,” Jones said.
“I’ve already apologized to Novak directly, and I repeat my apology here.”
Tennis Australia later released a statement confirming that Djokovic had
acknowledged the public apology and was ready to move on. Djokovic, who is
focused on his upcoming quarterfinal match against Carlos Alcaraz, made it
clear that the matter was now behind him.
“Novak acknowledges the apology has been made publicly as requested, and
he’s now concentrating on his next match,” the statement said. Djokovic, who
has a history of success at the Australian Open, is determined to keep his focus
on the tournament as he pursues another Grand Slam title.
With the apology now accepted and the controversy behind him, Djokovic is
ready to put all his energy into the quarterfinal clash, signaling that his
attention is solely on his tennis and the rest of the tournament.
