Novak Djokovic has “acknowledged” a public apology sent to him today by Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones.
The broadcaster had been criticized by some, including Nick Kyrgios, after the veteran news presenter offered an apology on the Today Show this morning, having also issued a statement to a Balkan television and SportKlub website, the last week.
It came after the 63-year-old claimed Djokovic, who is seeking his 11th Australian Open title this week in Melbourne, had branded the 24-time Grand Slam winner a “former”.
On Sunday night, Djokovic advanced to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open for the 15th time in his distinguished career, beating Jiri Lehecka to set up a delicious draw against Carlos Alcaraz.
But after the game at Rod Laver Arena, he stayed only briefly to conduct his post-match interview in protest at the Channel 9 presenter's comments.
It was initially believed that some members of the crowd were bothering him, but the tennis great revealed that it was in protest of Jones' behavior.
Novak Djokovic responded to Channel 9 host Tony Jones' public apology on Monday.
During this morning's Today Show, Jones issued a statement saying he apologized for comments he made on a live broadcast last week.
The Channel 9 broadcaster had said that Djokovic was a “passer” and Djokovic claimed that the comments had insulted him.
On Monday, Jones issued a statement on the Today Show, in which he said he had contacted Djokovic's team to apologize almost 48 hours ago and said he regretted any offense caused by his comments.
In a statement sent to Mail Sport by Tennis Australia, it is understood that Djokovic now wants to put the saga that has engulfed the tournament in recent days behind him, having accepted the broadcaster's apology.
“Novak acknowledges that the apology has been made publicly as requested and he is now moving forward and focusing on his next match,” Tennis Australia wrote in a statement.
Djokovic said he would refuse any interviews with the tournament's host channel, Channel Nine, until he received an apology.
The veteran news anchor was doing a live broadcast from Melbourne Park on Friday night when a large group of Djokovic fans with Serbian flags began cheering in the background behind him.
Jones pulled the fans in and chanted, 'Novak, he's overrated…Novak is no more.' Novak, kick him out.
While the comments were supposed to be a joke, it was widely criticized on social media.
Jones offered his public apology Monday morning after saying he was surprised the episode had reached such a point.
Djokovic threatened to boycott on-court interviews unless he received a public apology from Jones.
The broadcaster claimed that he had contacted Djokovic's team after learning that they had taken offense to his comments.
“The comments were made on the Friday night news, which I considered a joke,” Jones said on the Today Show.
'I considered it humour, which is consistent with most of the things I do, whether it's the Sunday Footy Show or the Morning Show here.
“That said, I was informed on Saturday morning from Tennis Australia via the Djokovic camp that the Djokovic camp was not at all happy with those comments.
“Now, as such, I immediately contacted Djokovic's camp and apologized to them. So this was 48 hours ago.
“For any disrespect that Novak felt I had caused, and as I stand here now, I stand by that apology to Novak if he felt any disrespect, which clearly he did.”
Djokovic made a statement before the start of Sunday night's press conference to explain his boycott.
“A couple of days ago, a famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster Channel Nine here in Australia mocked Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me,” he said.
'Since then, he chose not to issue any public apology, neither did Channel Nine, so as they are official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel Nine.
'I have nothing against Jim Courier, nor the Australian public.
“It was a very uncomfortable situation for me to face on the court today and it's unfortunate.
Respected tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg took issue with a line in Jones' apology to Djokovic on Monday morning.
Nick Kyrgios also attacked broadcaster Channel 9 on his social media channels after Jones apologized.
“So I'll let Channel Nine deal with this as they see fit.”
Jones, speaking after the incident made headlines around the world overnight, also apologized to Serbian fans and stated that he had built a good relationship with them over the years.
“They come here with the flags and bring so much color and so much passion, and there were jokes, so I thought what I was doing was an extension of those jokes,” he said.
“Clearly that hasn't been interpreted that way, so I feel like I've let down the Serbian fans.
“I'm just saying don't try to run away from problems or anything, I'm really sorry for those fans.”
Jones said his biggest regret and that he “overstepped the mark” was singing “throw him out.”
“Now I can stay here and put whatever spin I want on it, but it can only be interpreted as a throwback to the COVID years when he was expelled (from Australia for not having a visa),” he added.
“That has angered Novak, which I completely understand now.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had seen Jones' mocking comments about Djokovic.
'We need more kindness, generosity and respect. In all areas. “I think that's what people are looking for,” he told ABC radio.
The saga sparked widespread reaction on social media.
Kyrgios, who had partnered Djokovic in men's doubles at the Brisbane International three weeks ago, criticized Jones' apology. It's the second time the Australian star has had a go at the broadcaster, calling Jones a “clown” earlier in the week.
'How the fuck does this guy still have a fucking job? It's something putrid. Tony Jones, you are an absolute failure. Damn Chompers, man,” Kyrgios wrote on Facebook on Monday.
'Chompers' is a nickname given to Jones after he had teeth surgery more than 10 years ago and he is known to hate the nickname.
'The audacity to call Novak Djokovic overrated by a journalist is simply crazy. The boy literally completed tennis by winning everything you can in our sport!' Double Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka posted on X.
Jones was also targeted by American player Danielle Collins last week after he labeled her a “brat” for her post-match reaction when she defeated Australia's Destanee Aiava.
A portion of Jones' statement was criticized by tennis journalist Ben Rothenburg, who wrote in for what he did, and does. It is clear that he does not agree with the feelings. “I apologize” should not become “I apologize if.”