Serbian Davis Cup captain calls for Tony Jones ban over treatment of Novak Djokovic in Melbourne

The fallout from Novak Djokovic’s tumultuous Australian Open campaign has continued with his Davis Cup captain demanding action.

Serbian Davis Cup captain Viktor Troicki declared veteran news presenter Tony Jones should be “banned for life” from covering tennis and labelled the treatment of 10-time Australian Open champ Novak Djokovic “disrespectful and disappointing” in the wake of his injury-forced retirement.

Djokovic was forced to withdraw from Serbia’s tie against Denmark this weekend due to the injury he suffered in Melbourne, ending his campaign for an 11th title in the semi-final.

The former world No.1 was also booed by sections of the crowd when he ended his semi-final clash with Alexander Zverev after an 84 minute opening set.

It ended a tumultuous tournament for Djokovic, who refused to do a post-match interview with host broadcaster Channel 9 after Jones mocked him while engaging with Serbian fans.

Troicki said Australia was treating Djokovic “worse and worse” after he was also deported before the 2022 Open when his visa was cancelled on “health and safety” grounds.

“There was the situation around Channel 9, which I noticed as well. If I had hired that journalist (Tony Jones), I would have fired him straight away. He would never work in sports again,” Troicki said ahead of the tie.

Thought I’d leave this here for all the sports injury “experts” out there. pic.twitter.com/ZO5mBtw9zB

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 25, 2025

“I think they are treating Novak worse and worse. It is surprising and disappointing to see the greatest player of all time experiencing so many bad things happening in Australia again.

“After Covid and what they did to him a few years ago, it has never been the same.

“To mock an athlete during the tournament is unacceptable. I don’t think an apology is enough. I think he should be banned for life from covering tennis.”

Speaking to BolaVip in Copenhagen, Troicki slammed the overall treatment of the 37-year-old champion.

“They were booing him after the injury, which I don’t think happens in any sport. Not even in football, where the crowd is normally more wild. When someone gets injured in football, even an opponent, they will applaud you and wish you to get better,” he said.

Thanks again to Nick Kyrgios for defending Djokovic and his fans who were mocked and disrespected by Tony Jones.

Tony Jones refused to apologise for these comments saying it was just "banter" and no punishment for him.

Nick Kyrgios on his IG, has called Tony Jones a clown. pic.twitter.com/MjRvEKDhIi

— Pavvy G (@pavyg) January 19, 2025

“That’s why it was surprising to see, especially in a place where he has played his best tennis and has won 10 titles, that he got booed after the injury. It was really disrespectful and disappointing.”

“They are booing him in the crowd, which was not happening before in Australia. I think they were admiring his results more and greeting the champion with more respect in the past.”