Mon Jan 20 09:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Veteran Broadcaster Apologizes to Djokovic After On-Air Slur Sparks Boycott

**Melbourne, Australia** – Veteran Australian broadcaster Tony Jones has issued a public apology to Novak Djokovic after comments made during a live broadcast of the Australian Open led to the tennis star boycotting Channel Nine’s coverage. Djokovic, angered by Jones’s remarks, refused a post-match interview following his Sunday victory, demanding an apology before resuming cooperation.

Jones, during a Friday evening segment, engaged in what he termed “banter” with a group of Serbian fans, singing, “Novak, he’s overrated. Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out.” He also reportedly made comments deemed insulting to Djokovic himself. The 63-year-old broadcaster admitted on Monday that his actions “overstepped the mark,” acknowledging the remarks were a reference to Djokovic’s controversial deportation from Australia in 2022.

The incident sparked outrage, with a formal complaint filed with the Human Rights Commission by the Serbian Council of Australia, calling for Jones’s dismissal. Prominent figures in the tennis world also criticized Jones’s behavior, including Boris Becker who called it “very disturbing,” and Viktoria Azarenka, who deemed the comments “insane.” Even Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese weighed in, calling for “more kindness and generosity and respect.”

Following the backlash, Jones apologized publicly, stating he had contacted Djokovic’s team on Saturday to express his regret. Channel Nine also issued a formal apology. Djokovic, who acknowledged the apology, has reportedly dropped his boycott and will continue his Australian Open campaign. He faces Carlos Alcaraz in a highly anticipated quarter-final match on Tuesday. The controversy, however, threatens to overshadow Djokovic’s quest for an 11th Australian Open title.

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