Australian Broadcaster Apologizes After Calling Novak Djokovic a ‘Has-Been’ and 'Overrated': 'I've Let Down the Serbian Fans'

Mar. 15, 2025

Novak Djokovic.Photo:Graham Denholm/Getty

Graham Denholm/Getty

Jones, 63, made headlines after he attempted to tease Serbian fans chanting behind him during a live broadcast. Mocking the fans, the Australian broadcaster mimicked their chanting and joked that they were singing, “Novak, he’s overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak kick him out!”

Novak Djokovic.Bradley Kanaris/Getty

Bradley Kanaris/Getty

Jones' remarks even drew a response from Australian Prime MinisterAnthony Albanese. “I do think there is a place for more respect,” the prime minister said in a radio interview shared on hisofficial website, calling for more “kindness” in sports.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The back-and-forth ended with Jones issuing an apology privately and publicly in an interview with Channel 9. Djokovic eventually said he “accepted” Jones’ apology through a statement shared via Australian Open organizers.

“I can only again tell Novak what I told him 48 hours ago, that I do apologize if he felt that I disrespected him,” Jones toldChannel 9in a report on him. “We’ve built up a nice rapport with Serbian fans and what I thought I was doing was an extension of that banter, but quite clearly that hasn’t been interpreted that way. So, I do feel as though I’ve let down the Serbian fans.”

Djokovic will play Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open quarterfinals on Tuesday, Jan. 21, seeking his 11th title at the major tournament in Melbourne.

source: people.com