Australian sports presenter Tony Jones has publicly apologized to tennis star Novak Djokovic after making controversial remarks during a live broadcast of the Australian Open. Jones, a veteran broadcaster with Channel 9, initially dismissed his comments as “banter” and “humor,” but Djokovic and his fans didn’t see it that way. During the broadcast, Jones taunted a group of Djokovic supporters, chanting, “Novak, he’s overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak, kick him out.” He later added, “Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me.” The comments didn’t sit well with Djokovic, who skipped a post-match interview after his fourth-round victory, citing the lack of a public apology. In a video shared on social media, Djokovic expressed his disappointment, saying, “I was hoping he was going to apologize in public, which he hasn’t done yet.” The Serbian star emphasized that his decision wasn’t personal against the interviewer or the Australian public but was a stand against disrespect. On Monday, Jones addressed the issue on Channel 9’s *Today* program, admitting he “overstepped the mark.” He explained that his “kick him out” remark could be interpreted as a reference to Djokovic’s 2022 deportation from Australia over his vaccination status. “It has been an unfortunate situation,” Jones said, adding that he felt he had “let down the Serbian fans.” The Nine Network also issued an apology, stating, “No harm was intended towards Novak or his fans.” They expressed their excitement to continue covering Djokovic’s Australian Open campaign. Djokovic, who is chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title, faces Carlos Alcaraz in a highly anticipated quarterfinal match. Despite the controversy, the tennis star remains focused on the game, thanking fans for their support and signing autographs after his recent win. The incident has sparked conversations about respect in sports broadcasting, with even Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese weighing in, calling for more kindness and understanding. As Djokovic prepares for his next match, the focus is back on the court, where fans hope to see more thrilling tennis and fewer off-court distractions. ---