The war between Tony Jones and Novak Djokovic seems to be over.
Djokovic has demanded a public apology from Jones for “offensive comments” he made about the former world number 1 during a live broadcast.
The Serbian’s boycott threatened to derail the Australian Open, but Jones publicly apologized Monday to the 24-time Grand Slam champion, who acknowledged the remarks and is determined to put them behind him.
Jones’ apology included a sensational claim that he had already secretly apologized to members of Djokovic’s support team backstage – more than 24 hours before Djokovic left.
Jones taunted Serbian fans and sang during a broadcast: “Novak, he’s overrated.” … Novak is a has-been. Novak, kick him out. Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me.
But although he said he stood by his apology for disrespecting both Djokovic and Serbian fans, Jones’ words fell on deaf ears for tennis fans.
Many were quick to criticize the media veteran for delivering an “empty” statement that missed the mark.
Famed tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg wrote on he did, and he makes it clear that he disagrees with those sentiments. “I apologize” should not become “I apologize if.”
Tennis blogger Pavvy G wrote: “Here is Tony Jones’ apology, instead of all the excuses and trying to distract from HIS mistake he should have just said a few sentences, I’m really sorry to Djokovic and his fans and I wish him the best.
“It’s what we call word salad!” What I don’t understand is that he said he apologized to Djokovic’s camp 48 hours ago, so why didn’t he do it publicly? He was interviewed by @ozmo_sasa on Saturday and refused to apologize, saying it was just a “joke.” So his story doesn’t add up.
Another angry fan wrote: “Tony Jones’s apology to Novak Djokovic is the most manly apology ever. “Sorry if what I said hurt YOUR feelings. »
As anger mounted on social media towards Jones, colleagues at Channel 9 came to his defense, saying his comments were just a case of humor lost in translation.
Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo – hosts of Australia’s “Today” – made light of the situation, while guest panelist Senator Jacke Lambie jokingly urged Jones to double down on his comments.
The consensus within Nine’s media stable seemed to be that Djokovic did not understand Jones’ tongue-in-cheek style.
Despite their best efforts, Jones was on the hot seat with not only fans, but also other players calling out the veteran broadcaster.
Two-time Grand Slam winner Victoria Azarenka led the support for Djokovic.
“The audacity of calling Novak Djokovic overrated by a journalist is simply insane,” she tweeted. “The guy literally finished tennis by winning everything he could in our sport!”
Piers Morgan was also on the Serb’s side. “Djokovic is right. This guy from Channel 9 was an absolute tool.
Elon Musk even entered the debate by responding to Djokovic’s video post on X.
“It’s much better to speak directly to the public rather than going through the negative filter of traditional media,” Musk responded to the video.
“Indeed,” Djokovic replied.
The scandal has come to an end, however, as Djokovic accepted Jones’ apology and has now turned all his attention to his Tuesday night clash against Carlos Alcaraz.
