A TV broadcaster has apologised to Novak Djokovic for what the Serbian called “insulting and offensive” comments made towards him at the Australian Open.
Last Friday, Channel Nine's Tony Jones was involved in an exchange with Djokovic fans which saw him shout “Novak, he's overrated, Novak's a has-been, Novak kick him out” while live on air.
The “kick him out” reference seemed to be about his deportation from Australia in 2022 for being unvaccinated for Covid-19.
The incident clearly found its way to Djokovic's camp as the 24-time Grand Slam champion refused to do his usual on-court interview after beating Jiri Lehecka on Sunday.
In a post-match press conference, Djokovic did not name Jones but said a “famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster, Channel Nine … made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me”.
“I leave it to Channel Nine to handle this the way they see fit,” the 37-year-old added.
On Monday, the network apologised to Djokovic “for any offence caused from comments made during a recent live cross”.
“No harm was intended towards Novak or his fans,” the statement added. “We look forward to further showcasing his Australian Open campaign at Melbourne Park.”
Jones' apology quickly followed. “I'm disappointed it come to this because the comments were made on the news on the Friday night which I considered to be banter and humour – which is consistent with what I do,” he said on Monday's Today programme.
“However, I was made aware on the Saturday morning from Tennis Australia, via the Djokovic camp, that the Djokovic camp was not happy at all with those comments.
“I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them – 48 hours ago – for any disrespect which Novak felt I had caused.
“As I stand here now I stand by that apology to Novak if he feels any disrespect, which he clearly does.
“The disrespect extends to the Serbian fans – over the years here there has been colour with them and passion and banter, and I thought that was an extension of that banter. Quite clearly that hasn't been interpreted that way.
“I do feel I've let down the Serbian fans. I'm not just saying that to wriggle out of trouble. I genuinely feel for those fans.”
The situation became a minor diplomatic incident with Serbia's ambassador to Australia, Rade Stefanovic, calling Jones’ comments “clearly unprofessional”, specifically regarding the deportation incident.
“That event is still very much present in the minds of the Serbian people worldwide, including Australians of Serbian origin, who were also collectively victimised at the time,” Stefanovic said in The Sydney Morning Herald – which is owned by the same parent company as Channel Nine.
Djokovic must now put the saga to one side as he prepares to take on Alcaraz, who is aiming to complete a career Grand Slam by winning in Australia.
The mouth-watering clash sees the pair clash for an eighth time with Djokovic currently leading the head-to-head 4-3.
Alcaraz triumphed in straight sets in the Wimbledon final last year but Djokovic took revenge less than a month later when he claimed the Olympic gold medal at Roland Garros.
“This is not the right player to play in a quarter-final, I guess,” a smiling Alcaraz said after his fourth-round match was cut short by Jack Draper's injury retirement.
“He almost broke every record in tennis. I'm trying not to think about that when I'm in the match. I'm just trying [to think] that I'm able to beat him.
“I know my weapons, I know that I'm able to play good tennis against him.”
For Djokovic, Alcaraz is a younger version of his long-time Spanish rival Rafa Nadal, who he beat in the marathon 2012 final lasting five hours and 53 minutes – the Melbourne Slam's longest on record.
“[He] reminds me of my matchups versus Nadal in terms of the intensity and the energy on the court,” Djokovic said.
“He's very dynamic, explosive player. Incredibly talented, charismatic player. Great to watch, not that great to play against. I look forward to it.”
Alcaraz needs the Melbourne Park crown to complete the major clean-sweep having already been a two-time Wimbledon winner as well as securing the US and French Open titles.
Only eight male players have completed the feat with the Spaniard hoping to join a hallowed list that includes the likes of Djokovic, Nadal, Roger Federer and Andre Agassi.
