Tennis and drama—an iconic duo we just can’t get enough of! From racquet-smashing meltdowns to fiery exchanges with fans, the sport never fails to deliver its fair share of theatrics. And the Australian Open? Well, it’s proving to be no exception. This time, though, the drama isn’t coming from a player—it’s from behind the microphone. Australian broadcaster Tony Jones found himself in hot water after his unexpected comments about Novak Djokovic stirred up a storm, drawing backlash from fans and players alike. But now, the broadcaster has stepped up to clear the air. Breaking his silence, Jones issued an apology to the Serbian star, acknowledging his misstep.

The drama started to unfold on Friday, January 17, when Jones appeared on Nine News and covered fans’ enthusiasm for Djokovic while reading the sports bulletin. In the video which was widely circulated on social media, a flood of Serbian Maestro’s fans were seen cheering with Serbian flags in their hands. But surprisingly, Jones jeered at them from his studio and said, “Novak is overrated. Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out.” However, the dust finally seems to be settling with Jones issuing an apology. 

Speaking on the channel once again, Jones said, “Disappointed that it’s come to this. Comments were made on the news on the Friday night, which I considered to be banter. I considered it to be humor – which is consistent with most things I do.” Continuing further, he shared that he came to know about Djokovic’s unhappiness over his remarks and quickly contacted his camp to issue his apology. “I was made aware on the Saturday morning from Tennis Australia, via the Djokovic camp, that the Djokovic camp weren’t happy with the comments. As such, I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp, and issued an apology – now 48 hours ago – for any disrespect Novak felt that I caused,” he said. 

Further emphasizing his apology, he added, “I stand by that apology.” Remember, this comes soon after several tennis entities, including Boris Becker, Brad Gilbert, and Nick Kyrgios expressed their disappointment over the remarks. Sharing his perspective on the matter, Becker earlier said, “That’s actually very disturbing behavior from a TV broadcaster who works for Channel 9 …does he still have a job for the rest of the tournament?.” A similar reaction came from Coco Gauff’s ex-coach who wrote, “you are on red card notice pathetic take.” 

Meanwhile, Kyrgios, who has continued to express his support for Nole time and again, also shared his take and questioned, “Why is it always the most un athletic people calling out the best athletes in the world.” Indeed! For a person with 24 Grand Slam and an Olympic Gold Medal, such a statement is definitely surprising. WTA Star Victoria Azarenka also weighed in and wrote, “The audacity to call Novak Djokovic overrated by a reporter is just insane. The guy literally completed tennis by winning everything you can in our sport!” Interestingly, Djokovic himself had expressed his disappointment over the entire matter after his fourth-round clash against Jiri Lehecka.

The Serbian Maestro was expected to talk to Jim Courier after the match, but to the former player being related to Channel Nine as its commentator, he refused to do the same. Explaining himself in the post-match interview, Djokovic said that he was upset with Jones’ remark. Without naming him, he said, “famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster, Channel 9 … made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments toward me. I leave it to Channel 9 to handle this the way they think they see fit. That’s all.”

Coming to Tony Jones, this is not the only controversy that he has found himself engulfed in at the ongoing Australian Open.

Besides Novak Djokovic, Tony Jones’ statement for Danielle Collins draws criticism

The number of dramas at the Australian Open is not seeing an end. One such incident took place after Danielle Collins’ match with local star Destanee Aiava, whom she defeated in three sets. During the match, Collins was booed heavily by the crowd, but she responded to it by blowing kisses towards the stands. This further seemed to agitate the rowdy crowd that once again booed at her during the off-court interview. This time, Collins did not hold back and said, “I was thinking during the match, I’m out of here. I might as well just take that big, fat paycheck. So thank you guys. Thanks for coming out here and supporting us tonight!”

Responding to the entire incident, Tony Jones expressed his take and called the American star a brat! “My view is she’s a brat,” he said, adding, “When you get people like Danielle Collins who lives this (lavish) lifestyle and then rub our noses in it… I thought it overstepped the mark.” This, however, did not go well with Collins, who took a sharp dig at the broadcaster. 

Taking to her Instagram, Collins wrote, “I love when these old dudes like Tony know the vibe.” Now, as the tournament unfolds, it would be interesting to see if more such controversies continue to occur or will Jones’ case serve as a precedent for all.