The TV presenter at the center of Novak Djokovic's Australian Open interview queue has apologized for his comments but insisted they had been “misinterpreted”.
Djokovic has launched a dramatic boycott of on-court media functions in Melbourne until he receives an apology from Channel Nine, the host broadcaster.
He believes journalist Tony Jones “mocked” Serbian spectators at the tournament and described their comments as “insulting and offensive”.
On Friday, Jones gave a presentation in front of a group of Djokovic supporters at Melbourne Park. “Welcome back to Melbourne Park, where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans, they are in full voice,” Jones said. “The chants are quite extraordinary.”
Then he turned to them and pantomimed some of his own sleigh songs.
“Novak, he's overrated,” Jones sang. 'Novak is a past. Novak, kick him out. Wow, I'm glad you can't hear me. Anyway, let's move on to tennis.
Novak Djokovic to boycott Australian Open on-court interviews after 'insulting' comments
Djokovic gave a brief message to the crowd after beating Jiri Lehecka in the third round
The Serbian wants an apology from Channel 9 after controversial comments by Tony Jones
His behavior sparked a fierce backlash and the 63-year-old broke his silence on the controversy after being contacted by a Serbian publication. sports club.
“Unfortunately, my 'humor' the other night was misinterpreted as an attack on Novak,” he said. 'That was certainly not the case. I've been joking with the Serbian fans throughout the tournament and this is (at least I thought) a continuation of that.
'If you watch our morning show, you'll get an idea of how we work.
“At no point did I mean to disrespect Novak and I apologize; there was certainly no intention to offend him.”
However, given that Jones' apology was not made in a statement from Nine, nor sent directly to Djokovic, it appears it will not be enough to get the ten-time Australian Open champion to abandon his boycott.
After Djokovic's straight-sets victory over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday, which set up a delicious quarter-final draw against Carlos Alcaraz, former world number one Jim Courier approached him for the traditional on-court interview.
Djokovic, the 10-time champion, took the microphone and said: 'Thank you very much for being here tonight, I appreciate your presence and the support. I'll see you in the next round.” Then he went to sign autographs.
He was soon seen chatting with Australian Open boss Craig Tilley and began his post-match press conference with a prepared statement.
“Good night,” he said. “I would just like to clarify the reason why the interview did not take place on the field, the post-match interview, as if it were common practice.
He believes Jones “mocked” Serbian spectators at the tournament
Djokovic later clarified his stance in his post-match press conference in Melbourne.
His victory over Lehecka set up a spectacular quarterfinal tie against Carlos Alcaraz
'A couple of days ago, the famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster, Channel 9, here in Australia, mocked the Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me.
'And since then, he chose not to issue any public apology. Neither does Channel 9. So, since they are official stations, I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9.
'I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public. It was a very uncomfortable situation for me to face today on the court. It's unfortunate.
'I chose to say something to the crowd, but obviously there wasn't the time, space or situation to explain what I'm doing now.
'I'll let Channel 9 handle this the way they see fit. That's all.'
According to the Courier, players have “no obligation” to participate in on-court interviews, so it seems unlikely that a fine will be imposed on Djokovic.
sport mail has approached Channel 9 for comment.