Novak Djokovic receives apology from Tony Jones, TV channel

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Novak Djokovic got the mea culpas he wanted from The Australian Open local broadcaster and his employee who insulted him on air and so, according to tournament organizers, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is ready to focus on his quarter-final clash with Carlos Alcaraz.

“Novak acknowledges that the apology was made in public as requested,” read a statement released by Tennis Australia on Monday, “and he is now moving on and focusing on his next match.”

Perhaps that will draw a curtain on the strange off-court distraction as Djokovic targets what would be an 11th championship at Melbourne Park and a record 25th major trophy overall.

After winning at Rod Laver Arena on Sunday night to set up the contest against No. 3 Alcaraz, Djokovic declined to do the customary on-court post-match interview, but did not immediately explain why, sparking some mockery from spectators. It was only later in the night, during his press conference, that Djokovic explained that he was taking a stand to protest comments made by Tony Jones on Channel 9 on Friday.

Djokovic, a 37-year-old Serbian, did not name Jones, but said a “famous sports journalist who works for the official Channel 9… made fun of Serbian fans and also made insulting comments and offensive to me.

Jones called Djokovic overrated and a has-been and made what appeared to be a reference to when the player was deported from Australia in 2022 because he was not vaccinated against COVID-19.

Djokovic added that he would continue to avoid speaking to the network without an apology from him and Jones.

These finally arrived on Monday.

Nine Network said in a statement it apologized “for any offense caused by comments made” on air.

“No harm was intended toward Novak or his fans,” the statement continued. “We look forward to further showcasing his Australian Open campaign at Melbourne Park.”

During a TV show appearance Monday, Jones said he considered his comments a “joke” and apologized to Djokovic “if he felt I had disrespected him.”

“I considered it humor, which is most of the things I do,” Jones said. “That said, I have been informed… that the Djokovic camp is not at all happy with these comments. I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and apologized to them. And while I am here now, I maintain my apologies to Novak.

Jones also addressed a few words to the Serbs.

“I feel like I disappointed the Serbian fans,” he said. “I’m not just saying this to try to get out of trouble or anything. I really feel for these fans.

Serbia’s ambassador to Australia, Rade Stefanovic, even got involved on Monday, telling the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper that Jones’ comments were “clearly unprofessional”, including a “very concerning” reference to what s It happened three years ago when Djokovic was kicked out of the country. before the tournament amid the pandemic.

Before Jones and his employer apologized, Djokovic posted a message on social media reiterating why he refused to speak. This attracted a response from the owner of Billionaire X, Elon Muskwho said: “It is much better to speak directly to the public rather than going through the negative filter of traditional media. »

Djokovic responded to Musk’s tweet with “Indeed” and a raised hands emoji.

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AP Sports Writer John Pye in Brisbane, Australia, contributed.

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AP Tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis