The Australian journalist Tom JonesChannel 9 presenter, publicly apologized this Monday to the Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic after the controversy during the Australian Open over some comments by the reporter that were described as “insulting and offensive” by the former world number one and top winner of Grand Slam tournaments.
“On Saturday morning they let me know that Djokovic’s team was not happy about some comments. I immediately contacted them and apologized (…) I reiterate my apology to Novak if he felt disrespected”said the presenter in a video broadcast today by the channel, the official broadcaster of the tournament.
On Friday, Jones said during a live connection that the tennis player was “overrated” and it was a “failed” when a group of Serbian fans held their country’s flags and cheered the athlete in the background.
“I must also say that the lack of respect extended, in many ways, to the Serbian fans (…) We have established a good relationship with the Serbian fans. There are jokes, and I thought what I was doing was an extension of those jokes. It’s clear that it hasn’t been interpreted that way.”he said in his public apology.
The controversy was amplified after the tycoon Elon Muskowner of
As a result of the controversy, Djokovic on Sunday refused to undergo the usual on-court interview with former world number one Jim Courier after qualifying for the quarterfinals, where he will face Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday in an early definition. .
“A couple of days ago a famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster, Channel 9, here in Australia, mocked the Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me”Djokovic explained in the press conference after beating the Czech Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 6-4 and 7-6 (4).
Courier waited for Djokovic at the end of the match to, as is customary, gather his first impressions of the match, but the one from Belgrade took the microphone to simply say that he was grateful for the public’s support and that they would see each other in the next round. He then left without accepting any questions.
“I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public. It was a very uncomfortable situation. But it obviously wasn’t the time, space or situation to explain what I’m doing right now. I’ll let Channel 9 handle this way that seems best to you.”Djokovic then commented.
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