The experienced Nine Network presenter Tony Jones crossed the line on Friday! He named the most successful player of all time overrated and suggested he should be kicked out of Australia, referring to Novak’s 2022 Australian deportation saga, which still haunts him.
Jones’ words made Novak and his army of fans worldwide furious. Djokovic, who likes a good joke himself, did not enjoy Jones’ approach! The Serb called it disrespectful and skipped the on-court interview following his fourth-round triumph over Jiri Lehecka.
The legend released a video and shared the reason with his fans. Novak demanded an apology and received it on Monday morning. In his words, Jones apologized to Djokovic and his team 48 hours ago, a day after his terrible words reached the air.
A public apology followed on Monday, just like the 24-time Major winner requested! Jones expressed regret and clarified his poorly received remarks about Novak and his fans. The presenter claimed his comments were unintentionally offending, linking them to his typical approach.
A few words about what happened on court. pic.twitter.com/jRof2npiwH
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 19, 2025
Things should be cleared now, and we should hear what Novak has to say if he beats Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open quarter-final at Rod Laver Arena. The veteran took down Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 in two hours and 39 minutes.
Djokovic outplayed his opponent in the opening two sets and prevailed in the third to remain on the title course. The 37-year-old outplayed the young gun on serve and return en route to his 61st Major quarter-final, the 15th in Melbourne.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
Novak defended his second serve nicely and played flawless tennis behind the first. He played against three break point and experienced one break, mounting the pressure on the other side. Lehecka claimed the title at the beginning of the season in Brisbane.
He reached the last 16 in Melbourne but could not do much against the ten-time winner. The Czech sprayed too many mistakes and suffered three breaks from 11 chances offered to world no. 7. Djokovic tamed his strokes nicely and welcomed 40 unforced errors from the other side.
The young gun fought well in the third set before Novak claimed it in the tie break and arranged a blockbuster clash with Carlos on Tuesday.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2025© Stream screenshot
“Honestly, I’m disappointed it came to this. My comments on Friday were intended as banter, just light-hearted humor, which is typical of my approach. On Saturday morning, Tennis Australia and Djokovic’s team informed me that his camp was upset.
I immediately reached out and apologized – this was 48 hours ago – for any disrespect Novak felt I caused. I have always had a good rapport with Serbian fans, and I thought this was just an extension of that playful banter.
Clearly, it was not interpreted that way, and I feel I have let them down,” Tony Jones said.
Tennis World USA