The presenter at the center of Novak Djokovic’s decision to boycott on-court interviews at the Australian Open has apologized to the 24-time Grand Slam champion, saying that he “overstepped the mark.” Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones was overlooking a group of Serbian fans while recording a dispatch from Melbourne Park Friday night.

Australian broadcaster Tony Jones has apologized to Novak Djokovic for comments he says were intended to be “banter” and “humor.”

Channel 9 host Tony Jones has angered Novak Djokovic’s supporters by going rogue and sledging the Serbian superstar on a live broadcast.

Marcos Baghdatis labeled Tony Jones' comments about Novak Djokovic as "disrespectful and racist" as the Cypriot tennis legend believes the host deserves to be banned from further covering the Australian Open.

Channel Nine host Tony Jones apologises for a comment — labelled "insulting and offensive" by Novak Djokovic — that prompted the 24-time major winner to boycott on-court interviews.

Renowned tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg wrote on X: “Tony Jones has “apologised,” but it’s one of those hollow apologies where he apologises for how it made someone feel, not what he did, and he makes clear that he disagrees with the feelings. “I do apologise” shouldn’t become “I do apologise if”.

Novak Djokovic has accepted Channel 9 host Tony Jones' apology after publicly revealing that he ditched an on-court interview at the Australian Open after feeling disrespected. Following Sunday's win over Jiri Lehecka,

Nick Kyrgios brutally called out Channel 9's Tony Jones over his comments on Novak Djokovic by publicly asking "why it is always unathletic people" having a go at the very best athletes.

Djokovic has been known to pick a battle with fans in the crowd because it spurs him to play better, and he often thrives off being public enemy No.1. The 10-time Australian Open champion will meet Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals in Melbourne, but will head into the match as a heavy underdog.