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USA TodayJAN 26
Australian Open Commentator Apologizes to Novak Djokovic
Above: Novak Djokovic reacts against Jiri Lehecka in the Men's Singles Fourth Round match during day eight of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Jan. 19, 2025. Image copyright: Michael Willson/Contributor/Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
While these public apologies likely end this issue, their hollow content reveals that neither Tony Jones nor Channel 9 conceded that the Friday comments were offensive toward Djokovic and his fans. Perhaps even more shameful is that Jones claimed he had privately apologized before the boycott.
Narrative B
Djokovic is one of the greatest tennis players ever. So, when he's called overrated, a has-been, and someone who must be kicked out, it's clearly just banter — albeit perhaps in bad taste. Had Djokovic simply laughed off the joke, it likely wouldn't have garnered much attention. Instead, his overreaction turned it into a bigger story than it needed to be.