Djokovic compels Australian TV host to retract his statements
Tony Jones has expressed regret to Novak Djokovic following the latter's decision to bypass a traditional interview due to the journalist's "offensive comments." Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Tony Jones has reconciled with Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic after the athlete initially refused an interview due to “offensive comments” made by the journalist.
Novak Djokovic, an internationally acclaimed Serbian tennis player, has accepted an apology from Tony Jones, a sports presenter with Australia’s 9News broadcaster. Djokovic expressed his displeasure with remarks made by Jones during live coverage on Friday.
While broadcasting, Jones mocked Serbian fans in the background who were chanting, saying: “Novak is overrated! Novak’s a has-been! Novak, kick him out!”
In response, Djokovic declined to participate in a standard on-court interview with the broadcaster after his victory over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday night. Instead, he took the microphone to thank the fans for their support before leaving the court without answering any questions.
The following Monday, various media outlets reported a spokesperson for Tennis Australia stating that “Novak acknowledges the apology has been given in public as requested and is now moving on and focusing on his next match.”
Earlier that day, Jones shared that he initially perceived his comments as “banter,” but after being contacted by Djokovic’s team, he reached out to the tennis star to “issue an apology… for any disrespect that Novak felt that I had caused.”
Jones also extended his apologies to Serbian fans regarding the “unfortunate” situation.
“I agreed to meet him in person, they came back and yes, that hasn’t transpired yet but I hope it will happen in the next 24 hours,” he mentioned, according to media reports.
At a press briefing on Sunday, prior to the apology, Djokovic remarked that “a couple of days ago the famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster here in Australia, Channel 9, made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me. And since then he chose not to issue any public apology, neither did Channel 9.”
“Since they’re official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9,” he added.
Throughout his illustrious career, the 37-year-old Djokovic has secured a record 24 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, including ten victories at the Australian Open.
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
Novak Djokovic, an internationally acclaimed Serbian tennis player, has accepted an apology from Tony Jones, a sports presenter with Australia’s 9News broadcaster. Djokovic expressed his displeasure with remarks made by Jones during live coverage on Friday.
While broadcasting, Jones mocked Serbian fans in the background who were chanting, saying: “Novak is overrated! Novak’s a has-been! Novak, kick him out!”
In response, Djokovic declined to participate in a standard on-court interview with the broadcaster after his victory over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday night. Instead, he took the microphone to thank the fans for their support before leaving the court without answering any questions.
The following Monday, various media outlets reported a spokesperson for Tennis Australia stating that “Novak acknowledges the apology has been given in public as requested and is now moving on and focusing on his next match.”
Earlier that day, Jones shared that he initially perceived his comments as “banter,” but after being contacted by Djokovic’s team, he reached out to the tennis star to “issue an apology… for any disrespect that Novak felt that I had caused.”
Jones also extended his apologies to Serbian fans regarding the “unfortunate” situation.
“I agreed to meet him in person, they came back and yes, that hasn’t transpired yet but I hope it will happen in the next 24 hours,” he mentioned, according to media reports.
At a press briefing on Sunday, prior to the apology, Djokovic remarked that “a couple of days ago the famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster here in Australia, Channel 9, made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me. And since then he chose not to issue any public apology, neither did Channel 9.”
“Since they’re official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9,” he added.
Throughout his illustrious career, the 37-year-old Djokovic has secured a record 24 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, including ten victories at the Australian Open.
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
