Australian Open: Channel 9 broadcaster Tony Jones apologises to Novak Djokovic for comments

Djokovic, a 10-time champion at Melbourne Park, plays Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.

Channel Nine also apologised, saying “no harm was intended towards Novak or his fans”.

The Serbian Council of Australia has called for Jones to be sacked, saying his comments were “offensive, racist and only serve to incite further discrimination of Australian-Serbs”.

Jones said he particularly felt he had “overstepped the mark” with his “kick him out” comment – which he accepted could be interpreted as a reference to Djokovic’s 2022 deportation from Australia because of the country’s Covid-19 regulations.

“That has angered Novak – I completely understand that,” said Jones.

“It has been an unfortunate situation and one of personal angst for Novak and personal angst for me as well. The priority now is to focus on the tennis. He has an amazing match and I hope he can focus on that.

“I can only again tell Novak what I told him 48 hours ago which is I do apologise if he feels I disrespected him.

“I agreed to meet him in person, they came back and yes, that hasn’t transpired yet but I hope it will happen in the next 24 hours.”

Tennis Australia said: “Novak acknowledges the apology has been given in public as requested and is now moving on and focusing on his next match.”