Aussie broadcaster Tony Jones apologizes to Novak Djokovic or 'offensive' remarks

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Tony Jones, a veteran sports anchor at Australia's Channel Nine, apologized to Novak Djokovic on Monday following his comments that were considered offensive by the Grand Slam champion.

"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," Jones said on Channel Nine.

"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," he added.

The veteran sports reporter stressed that he immediately contacted Djokovic's camp and apologized to them 48 hours ago for any disrespect he may have caused Novak.

During a live broadcast on Friday, Jones mocked a group of animated Serbian supporters, saying: "Novak, he’s overrated. Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out."

Djokovic, the 24-times Grand Slam winner, moved to the quarterfinals with a straight sets win against Czech Jiri Lehecka on Sunday but declined to do the customary on-court interview.

The 37-year-old Serbian superstar insisted on a public apology from Jones and Australian broadcast rights holders Channel Nine before proceeding.