Nine Network 'sincerely apologises', six months after Tony Jones' Djokovic comments

(Getty/James D. Morgan)

In hindsight, Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones would think twice about making controversial comments directed at 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.

Jones, who works for the Nine Network as part of the Australian Open coverage, copped a barrage of criticism from around the world following a news bulletin presented at Melbourne Park in front of a large contingent of Serbian supporters.

"Novak, he's overrated. Novak's a has-been. Novak, kick him out," Jones chanted, as the fans behind him couldn't hear.

Shop with a 15% storewide discount code: SERVE15 - excludes clearance items, machines, court equipment and gift cards at www.tennisdirect.com.au

The on-air moment went viral on social media, and it was only a matter of time until Djokovic himself heard it.

It infuriated the former world No.1 to the point where he skipped his compulsory on-court interview with Jim Courier after his fourth-round win, to take a stand against Jones.

"I would like to just clarify the reason why the interview was not conducted on the court, the post-match interview, like it's a common, usual practice," Djokovic told reporters during his press conference.

"The famous sports journalist who works for [the] official broadcaster, Channel 9 here in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me. Since then, he chose not to issue any public apology. Neither did Channel 9. So since they're official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9.

"I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public. It was a very awkward situation for me to face on the court today. It's unfortunate I chose [not] to say something to the crowd, but obviously wasn't the time and space or situation for me to explain what I'm doing right now.

"I leave it to Channel 9 to handle this the way they think they see fit. That's all."

Jones responded with an immediate apology the following day on Nine's Today show.

"I considered it to be humour, which is consistent with most things I do," he said.

"Having said that, 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.

"As such, I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them. And as I stand here now, I stand by that apology to Novak. I do apologise if he felt that I disrespected him.

"I can stand here and put whatever spin I want on that, but it can only be interpreted as a throwback to the Covid years when he was kicked out (of Australia in 2022).

"That has angered Novak, which I completely understand now."

Despite Jones and the host broadcaster issuing a public apology after Djokovic expressed his anger, the Network has been forced to release another apology.

It comes after Jones was barred from attending Wimbledon for Channel 9's coverage of this year's tournament, with reports suggesting that Djokovic's camp requested that the 63-year-old be banned as a result of his January remarks.

The statement opened with: "On 17 January 2025, 9News Melbourne aired a live broadcast as part of its 6pm bulletin that referred to Novak Djokovic's attendance at the Australian Open.

"Nine sincerely apologises to the Serbian Council of Australia, its members and the wider Serbian-Australian community for any offence caused as a result of the Broadcast.

"No harm, nor any offence, was intended to the Serbian-Australian community.

"Nine thanks, and is pleased to have co-operatively worked with the Serbian Council of Australia to address and resolve their concerns in respect of the Broadcast."

Stan Sport is your Home of Grand Slam Tennis. Add the Stan Sport package now to stream the tennis ad-free, live and on demand. To come in 2025: Wimbledon, US Open and Laver Cup.  Visit: stan.com.au/watch/sport/tennis