The presenter at the center of Novak Djokovic’s decision to boycott on-court interviews at the Australian Open has apologized to the 24-time Grand Slam champion, saying that he “overstepped the mark.” Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones was overlooking a group of Serbian fans while recording a dispatch from Melbourne Park Friday night.

Australian broadcaster Tony Jones has apologized to Novak Djokovic for comments he says were intended to be “banter” and “humor.”

Novak Djokovic has accepted Channel 9 host Tony Jones' apology after publicly revealing that he ditched an on-court interview at the Australian Open after feeling disrespected. Following Sunday's win over Jiri Lehecka,

Channel Nine host Tony Jones apologises for a comment — labelled "insulting and offensive" by Novak Djokovic — that prompted the 24-time major winner to boycott on-court interviews.

Renowned tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg wrote on X: “Tony Jones has “apologised,” but it’s one of those hollow apologies where he apologises for how it made someone feel, not what he did, and he makes clear that he disagrees with the feelings. “I do apologise” shouldn’t become “I do apologise if”.

Novak Djokovic said he wanted an apology from Channel 9 and Tony Jones, who called the 24-time Grand Slam champion overrated

Novak Djokovic has said he will avoid doing interviews on court at the Australian Open until he receives an apology from the Nine Network, after reporter Tony Jones's "mockery of Serbian fans".

Channel 9 host Tony Jones has issued a full apology to Novak Djokovic which the Serbian star has acknowledged.

Novak Djokovic lived up to the odds and joined Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Australian Open. The Serbian legend defeated Czech Jiri Lehecka in three sets on the iconic Rod Laver Arena and earned a place in the top eight in the first Major of the new season.

Djokovic has been known to pick a battle with fans in the crowd because it spurs him to play better, and he often thrives off being public enemy No.1. The 10-time Australian Open champion will meet Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals in Melbourne, but will head into the match as a heavy underdog.