MELBOURNE — A leading TV presenter apologized on-air Monday to Novak Djokovic after mocking the 24-time Grand Slam winner and his Serbian fans at the Australian Open, saying it was meant to be banter.
The 37-year-old tennis great refused to do a routine on-court interview after beating Jiri Lehecka in three sets on Rod Laver Arena to make the quarter-finals on Sunday evening.Afterwards he said it was in protest at Tony Jones, a top sports presenter with host broadcaster Channel Nine, who he accused of 'insulting and offensive comments' towards him and Serbian fans. Djokovic said he would boycott interviews with the TV station until he got an apology.
'Serbia's Novak Djokovic hits a return against Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka during their men's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 19, 2025. AFP PHOTOThe veteran broadcaster was live at Melbourne Park on Friday when a large group of Djokovic fans holding Serbian flags began cheering in the background behind him.Jones responded by singing to them: 'Novak, he's overrated... Novak's a has-been. Novak, kick him out.
Host Issues On-Air Apology To Djokovic Over 'Insulting' Comments
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