‘Out of hand’: PM weighs in on Djokovic drama

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for “respect” after Novak Djokovic refused to be interviewed by Channel 9.

Anthony Albanese has weighed in on the Novak Djokovic controversy urging more “respect across the board” and criticising boozy crowds at the tennis for heckling players during a fault.

A furious Novak Djokovic said he would refuse any interviews with Australian Open host broadcaster Channel Nine over the weekend after a blow up over comments made by broadcaster Tony Jones.

Accusing him of having “made a mockery of Serbian fans”, the tennis star said he was prepared to risk a fine for refusing interviews.

Novak Djokovic is refusing any interviews with Australian Open host broadcaster Channel Nine. Picture: Tennis Australia

It later emerged he was slapping a boycott on the broadcaster over comments by TV host Tony Jones, who was slammed as “a tool” by broadcaster Piers Morgan.

“Djokovic is right. That Channel 9 guy was an absolute tool,’’ Piers Morgan said.

Australian star Nick Kyrgios also weighed in, taking aim at the middle-aged Nine presenter.

“Coming from this clown – couldn’t run around a park, this bloke,” Kyrgios said.

PM weighs in on tennis controversy

Asked if Novak Djokovic “deserved an apology from Channel 9” on Monday, the tennis-mad PM was coy before praising the player.

“I’ll let that go through to the keeper, that’s a matter between them, but I think Novak Djokovic is certainly a fine tennis player,’’ Mr Albanese said.

“There’s no question about that.

“And I do think that there is a place for more respect. I’ve seen the comments that were made by the broadcaster that, you know, we need more kindness and generosity and respect, just across the board. I think that’s what people are looking for.”

ABC host asks if boozy crowds are “out of hand”

ABC radio host Hamish Macdonald then asked, “Do you reckon the crowds have been getting a bit out of hand in Melbourne this year? Lots of booze flowing, lots of sunshine.”

“Look, I think that someone booing a fault is wrong myself, but yeah, Australian fans are feisty, and it’s a great tournament, the Australian Open,’’ Mr Albanese replied.

Novak Djokovic said he believed Mr Jones was disrespecting Serbian fans. Picture: Tennis Australia

“It’s very enjoyable for all who watch right around the world. And I make this point that Australia doesn’t have many events that are truly global. As much as I love watching the NRL and AFL. They’re not global events. This is an event where the world is watching and Australia puts on a great tournament.”

What Tony Jones actually said

Jones was reading the sports news for Nine’s evening news bulletin live from Melbourne Park on Friday night when a large group of Djokovic fans holding Serbian flags began cheering in the background behind him.

“Welcome back to Melbourne Park, where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans, they’re in full voice,” Jones said.

“The chants are quite extraordinary,” he added, before firing a few bold sledges back to the Djokovic fans.

“Novak, he’s overrated,” Jones sang.

“Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out.

“Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me. Anyway, let’s get onto the tennis.”

As he finished his bulletin, Jones said: “Alright that wraps it up from Melbourne Park. Somehow I’m going to have to get out of here.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Bullard.

“No we’re fine, we had selfies. I told them I was Clint Stanaway.”

Nine newsreader Tom Steinfort responded: “I didn’t think anyone would be more unpopular than Danielle Collins after last night’s antics, but Tony you’ve taken the cake.”

In a comment provided to news.com.au after the incident, Jones said: “It was good natured banter with the Serbian fans. We’ve been doing it all tournament and it’s all in good fun. This is the happy Slam.”

The 10-times Australian Open champion chose not to speak on court to Jim Courier, declining a post-match interview before walking off after a 6-3 6-4 7-6 fourth round win over Jiri Lehecka.

Djokovic later blamed “offensive comments” made by Tony Jones days earlier that were behind his Channel 9 boycott.

“I’d like to just clarify the reason why it was not conducted on the court,” Djokovic said.

“A couple of days ago the famous sports journalist who works for the official broadcaster here in Australia made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me. And since then he chose not to issue any public apology, neither did Nine.

“Since they’re official broadcasters I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9. I have nothing against Jim Courier or the Australian public. It’s unfortunate.

“I chose to say something to the crowd but obviously wasn’t the time and situation to explain what I’m doing right now.

“I leave it to Nine to handle this the way they see fit.”

The Tennis superstar also released a self-recorded video message to his fans, apologising for not speaking to them on the court.

“That was the only reason I didn’t do the interview,” he said of Jones.

“It was of course not a great feeling for me and it was quite awkward on the court.

“Jim Courier was the one that came out. I have tremendous respect for him and I always love speaking to Jim and I know that a lot of people wanted to hear me speak so I apologise for everyone being in the stadium and not being able to hear me speak. And on the TV as well.”

Tony Jones makes apology through Serbian press

“Unfortunately, my ‘humour’ the other night was misinterpreted as an attack on Novak,” he told Serbian outlet Sport Klub.

“That was certainly not the case. I’ve been joking with Serbian fans throughout the tournament and this is – at least I thought so – a continuation of that.

“If you watch our morning show, you’ll get an idea of how we work. At no point did I mean to show any disrespect to Novak and I apologise – there was certainly no intention to offend him.”

The world’s richest man Elon Musk even responded to Djokovic’s video post on X.

“It’s way better just to talk to the public directly than go through the negativity filter of legacy media,” Musk replied to the video.

“Indeed,” Djokovic wrote back.

Originally published as ‘Out of hand’: PM weighs in on Djokovic drama