tennis Icon Skips Post-Match Interview
“Prank” Backfires: Broadcaster Issues Public Apology to Djokovic
tennis Icon Skips Post-Match Interview
January 20, 2025, 8:19 a.m
Novak Djokovic was far from pleased after hearing remarks made by TV host Tony Jones. The tennis legend refused to participate in the mandatory post-match interview, insisting on a public apology—which he eventually received.
Following his quarter-final victory over Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic is expected to resume his usual post-match interviews. This comes after Australian journalist Tony Jones, whose comments had prompted Djokovic to skip the interview after his Australian Open round of 16 match, issued a public apology on camera. Djokovic had explicitly demanded this gesture.
Jones, a presenter for channel Nine in Australia, was broadcasting live from Melbourne park on Friday. During the broadcast, he addressed Serbian fans in a mocking tone, shouting, “Novak! He’s overrated! Get him out of here!” Turning back to the camera, he added, “Glad you guys can’t hear me.”
jones later clarified that his remarks were meant to be humorous. ”I intended it as a joke, but I realized on Saturday that the Djokovic team took it very seriously,” he explained. The journalist had already apologized privately and followed up with a public apology on air. The Australian Tennis Federation confirmed that Djokovic accepted the apology and would focus on his upcoming matches.
After defeating Czech player Jiri Lehecka with a score of 6:3, 6:4, 7:6 (7:4), Djokovic opted out of the customary on-court interview. Instead, he simply thanked the crowd, saying, “Thank you for being here today. Your support means a lot. See you in the next round.” During the press conference, he elaborated on his decision to avoid further comments.
the match against Lehecka was not without its challenges for Djokovic. He faced repeated disruptions from spectators during his serves, which visibly frustrated him. “Players have to endure a lot. Some Australian fans get a bit rowdy after a few drinks and start heckling the players,” commented Boris Becker, Djokovic’s former coach, during a Eurosport broadcast.
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