Australian broadcaster Tony Jones has apologized to Novak Djokovic for comments he says were intended to be “banter” and “humor.”

The presenter at the center of Novak Djokovic’s decision to boycott on-court interviews at the Australian Open has apologized to the 24-time Grand Slam champion, saying that he “overstepped the mark.” Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones was overlooking a group of Serbian fans while recording a dispatch from Melbourne Park Friday night.

Novak Djokovic says he will not conduct on-court interviews at the Australian Open until he receives an apology for “insulting and offensive comments” from an Australian television presenter. Channel 9 newsreader Tony Jones was conducting a sport segment from Melbourne Park in front of Serbian fans on Friday,

Djokovic said he wants an apology from Channel 9 and Tony Jones, who called the 24-time Grand Slam champion overrated and a has-been during an on-air appearance.

Grand Slam champ looks to move on from controversy after Australian reporter clarifies comments. Favorites Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek advance.

The host broadcaster has apologized after Novak Djokovic declined to do a customary post-match on court interview at the Australian Open Sunday to protest comments made on

It was an ill-fated attempt at a joke which horribly backfired. When Tony Jones, the veteran sports broadcaster, made his rabble-rousing remarks about Novak Djokovic in front of a sea of Serbian fans at the Australian Open,