Excitement at the Australian Open
Interview vortex: Reporter apologizes to Djokovic
Updated on 01/20/2025 – 09:11 amReading time: 1 min.
A thoughtless statement by a reporter on a live broadcast angered Novak Djokovic. He drew conclusions. The journalist then showed remorse.
After a controversial incident involving Novak Djokovic and a journalist, he apologized. According to reporter Tony Jones (Channel 9), the Serbian tennis star refused to be interviewed on the court.
Jones then expressed remorse: “All I can say to Novak is that I apologize if he felt disrespected,” he said in an interview broadcast on Channel 9.
The situation had occurred in advance during a live broadcast. Jones had turned to celebrating Serbian fans and shouted in a derogatory tone: “Novak! He’s overrated! Throw him out!” Turning back to the camera, he added: “Guys, I’m glad you can’t hear me.” However, these statements did not go unnoticed.
Djokovic found out about the comments and drew conclusions: After his round of 16 victory at the Australian Open, he refused to do an on-court interview with Jim Courier, who also works for Channel 9. In the subsequent press conference, the Serb explained: A reporter from the station had not only insulted his fans, but also him personally. For this reason he no longer wants to give interviews to Channel 9. If this results in a fine, he will accept it, said Djokovic.