Djokovic receives apology from Australian broadcaster after 'insulting' feedback

Novak Djokovic has gained an apology from Channel 9 broadcaster Tony Jones, who made feedback the 24-time Grand Slam champion deemed “insulting and offensive”.

He printed afterwards that he made the verdict as a result of he felt Jones had “made a mockery of Serbian enthusiasts and in addition made insulting and offensive feedback in opposition to me” whilst continue to exist air on the Australian Open.

Jones shouted “Novak, he is puffed up, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out” as Serbian enthusiasts celebrated in the back of him.

Jones issued an apology on Channel 9 on Monday, announcing he used to be sorry for “any disrespect”.

“Then again, I used to be made conscious at the Saturday morning from Tennis Australia, by means of the Djokovic camp, that the Djokovic camp used to be now not satisfied in any respect with the ones feedback.

“I right away contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them – 48 hours in the past – for any disrespect which Novak felt I had led to.

“As I stand right here now, I stand through that apology to Novak if he feels any disrespect, which he obviously does.

“The disrespect extends to the Serbian enthusiasts – over time right here there was color with them and keenness and banter, and I assumed that used to be an extension of that banter. Slightly obviously that hasn’t been interpreted that means.

“I do really feel I have let down the Serbian enthusiasts. I am not simply announcing that to wriggle out of bother. I in fact really feel for the ones enthusiasts.”

Djokovic, who faces Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster quarter-final tournament on Tuesday, used to be deported from Australia 3 years in the past on account of Covid-19 laws.

Jones mentioned he had “overstepped the mark” along with his “kick him out” remark.

“That has angered Novak – I totally take into account that,” mentioned Jones.

“It’s been an unlucky scenario and one in all private angst for Novak and private angst for me as smartly. The concern now could be to concentrate on the tennis. He has a fantastic tournament and I’m hoping he can focal point on that.

“I will be able to handiest once more inform Novak what I informed him 48 hours in the past which is I do apologise if he feels I disrespected him.

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

Tennis Australia added: “Novak recognizes the apology has been given in public as asked and is now transferring on and specializing in his subsequent tournament.”