Australian Open 2025: Channel Nine broadcaster Tony Jones apologises to Novak Djokovic for comments

Djokovic, a 10-time champion at Melbourne Park, performs world quantity three Carlos Alcaraz within the quarter-finals on Tuesday.

Channel 9 additionally apologised, saying “no hurt was meant in the direction of Novak or his followers”.

The Serbian Council of Australia has referred to as for Jones to be sacked, saying his feedback had been “offensive, racist and solely serve to incite additional discrimination of Australian-Serbs”.

Jones stated he notably felt he had “overstepped the mark” along with his “kick him out” remark – which he accepted could possibly be interpreted as a reference to Djokovic’s 2022 deportation from Australia due to the nation’s Covid-19 rules.

“That has angered Novak – I fully perceive that,” stated Jones.

“It has been an unlucky scenario and considered one of private angst for Novak and private angst for me as effectively. The precedence now could be to deal with the tennis. He has a tremendous match and I hope he can deal with that.

“I can solely once more inform Novak what I instructed him 48 hours in the past which is I do apologise if he feels I disrespected him.

“I agreed to fulfill him in particular person, they got here again and sure, that hasn’t transpired but however I hope it’s going to occur within the subsequent 24 hours.”

Tennis Australia stated: “Novak acknowledges the apology has been given in public as requested and is now shifting on and specializing in his subsequent match.”