Novak Djokovic beat Jiri Lehecka, yesterday, but boycotted the on-court interview after “insulting and offensive” comments by Australian Open presenter Tony Jones.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner made a stand after Jones was hosting coverage and labelled the Serb as “overrated” and a “has-been” and took aim at his fans in attendance.
In 2022, Djokovic, was controversially banned from the tournament due to not taking the Covid vaccine.
The presenter also said “kick him out” alluding to the incident 3 years ago.
Novak Djokovic on why he didn’t do a post-match interview at Australian Open
“A journalist who works for Channel 9 in Australia made a mockery of Serbian fans & made insulting & offensive comments towards me. Neither him or Channel 9 issued an apology”
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 19, 2025
The 37-year-old Tennis legend clapped back at the comments and said they were ‘insulting and offensive’.
A few words about what happened on court. pic.twitter.com/jRof2npiwH
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 19, 2025
Jones has now issues a grovelling apology to Djokovic.
Speaking on live TV he said: “I was made aware that the Djokovic camp were not happy at all with those comments.
“As such, I contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them, this was 48 hours ago, for any disrespect that Novak felt that I caused.
“I stand by that apology to Novak, if he felt any disrespect, that quite clearly he does.
“To the Serbian fans, we have built up a nice rapport over the year. They bring flags, so much colour, passion and there was banter.
“What I thought I was doing was an extension of that banter. Quite clearly it has not been interpreted that way.
“I feel that I have let down the Serbian fans and I am not saying this to try and wriggle out of trouble. I genuinely feel for those fans.

“If I could turn back time, and I know we have all got PhD’s in hindsight, where I over-stepped the mark, certainly what has angered Novak’s camp, is the last comment ‘kick him out’.
“That has angered Novak, that I completely understand.
“I can only again tell Novak what I told him 48 hours ago, which is I do apologise if he felt that I disrespected him.”
This is the eye wash of a "public apology" Tony Jones has offered to Novak. Watch and make of it what you will but this is surely not a proper apology, more like an attempt to try and wriggle out of a sticky situation! Shameful! pic.twitter.com/OsNtbbxReY
— दिविर जैन (@divirj04) January 19, 2025
Next up for the Serbian is a clash against Carlos Alcaraz for a place in the Semi-finals of the tournament.