Novak Djokovic is ‘moving on’ after receiving an apology from Australian broadcaster Tony Jones following a controversial row over the weekend.
Jones, who works for Australia’s Channel Nine, sparked fury from the Serb by shouting ‘Novak, he’s overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out’ towards Serbian fans while live on air.
He has since apologised for his actions, saying: : “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.
“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.
Novak Djokovic is ‘moving on’ after receiving an apology from Australian broadcaster Tony Jones following a controversial row over the weekend
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“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.
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“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.”
Channel Nine also issued an apology. They said: “Nine would like to apologise to Novak Djokovic for any offence caused from comments made during a recent live cross. No harm was intended towards Novak or his fans.
“We look forward to further showcasing his Australian Open campaign at Melbourne Park.”
And Djokovic, it seems, is now ready to drop the matter.
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According to Tennis Australia, the 37-year-old has ‘acknowledged the apology has been given in public as requested’.
And he’s now ‘moving on and focusing on his next match.’
Controversy involving Djokovic in Australia is nothing new, of course.
He was previously kicked out of the country in 2022 over his stance on the coronavirus vaccine, much to his anger and dismay.
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Novak Djokovic has received an apology from Tony Jones and Channel Nine
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Djokovic had arrived Down Under expecting to play in the tournament.
Yet with strict rules and regulations in place, he was ultimately sent home.
At one point, it looked as though the 24-time Grand Slam winner would receive a three-year ban.
That was overturned at the end of 2022, however, with the former world No 1 then reacting by saying he ‘can’t forget’ the way he was treated.
Novak Djokovic is currently preparing for his Australian Open clash with Carlos Alcaraz
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Djokovic is next in action against Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday.
He lost to the Spaniard in the final of Wimbledon last year, though was able to avenge that defeat weeks later at the Paris Olympics.