Novak Djokovic accepts apology from Tony Jones after snubbing on-court interview in protest at Australian Open

Former world number one Serbia’s Novak Djokovic has accepted Tony Jones apology after snubbing an on-court interview. The 37-year-old, who is regarded as the greatest player in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category, having won as many as 24 Grand Slam titles, has been recently involved in a controversy where he snubbed an on-court interview after winning his fourth-round encounter at the Australian Open against Jiri Lehecka in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-4, 7-6.

Jones, before the match, while standing in front of the Serbian fans, stated on air that Novak is overrated and he is a ‘has been’. While talking to the media after the match, Djokovic admitted that he did that after feeling disrespected following comments from Jones, who was working for Channel 9.

“I would like to just clarify the reason why the interview was not conducted on the court, the post-match interview, like it’s a common, usual practice,” Djokovic said. “Couple days ago the famous sports journalist (Tony Jones) who works for official broadcaster, Channel 9 here in Australia, 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. So since they’re official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9. I have nothing against Jim Courier or neither the Australian public. It was a very awkward situation for me to face on the court today. It’s unfortunate I chose to say something to the crowd, but obviously wasn’t the time and space or situation for me to explain what I’m doing right now. I leave it to Channel 9 to handle this the way they think they see fit. That’s all.”

As per the latest report, Djokovic has accepted Jones’ apology. "Novak acknowledges the apology has been given in public as requested, and is now moving on and focusing on his next match," was the statement that arrived from Tennis Australia clarifying that the issue has been resolved.

Jones was quoted in BBC Sports, where he explained that his comments were not serious and that he was joking. Jones also stated that he genuinely feels sorry for hurting the feelings of the Serbian fans.

"I'm disappointed it come to this because the comments were made on the news on the Friday night which I considered to be banter and humour - which is consistent with what I do,” he said. "However, I was made aware on the Saturday morning from Tennis Australia, via the Djokovic camp, that the Djokovic camp was not happy at all with those comments. I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them – 48 hours ago – for any disrespect which Novak felt I had caused. As I stand here now I stand by that apology to Novak if he feels any disrespect, which he clearly does. The disrespect extends to the Serbian fans – over the years here there has been colour with them and passion and banter, and I thought that was an extension of that banter. Quite clearly that hasn't been interpreted that way. I do feel I've let down the Serbian fans. I'm not just saying that to wriggle out of trouble. I genuinely feel for those fans."