New Delhi: Nick Kyrgios criticised Channel 9 host Tony Jones, insisting he ought to be removed from his job after his disparaging comments towards Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open.
Jones, who has earned the nickname ‘Chompers’ during his stint at Channel 9 commented last Friday: “Novak’s overrated. Novak’s a has-been…Kick him out.”
It prompted Djokovic to refuse to participate in a post-match interview on the channel after winning his fourth round match, leaving the court swiftly after thanking the crowd.
‘Offensive’
The 24-time Grand Slam winner later demanded a public apology from Jones for his comments while the Serbian Council in Australia wanted Channel 9 to take punitive action against Jones.
“A couple days ago, a famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster Channel 9 here in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me,” he said.
“And since then, he chose not to issue any public apology. Neither did Channel 9. So since they’re official broadcasters, I chose not to give interviews for Channel 9. I have nothing against Jim Courier or neither the Australian public. It was a very awkward situation for me to face on the court today.”
Nick Kyrgios on IG after the Novak Djokovic/Channel 9 situation at Australian Open
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 20, 2025
Jones apologised, though not publicly on Monday. “I was made aware on the Saturday morning from Tennis Australia via the Djokovic camp that the Djokovic camp was not happy at all with those comments,” he said.
“Now, as such, I immediately contacted the Djokovic camp and issued an apology to them. So this is 48 hours ago. For any disrespect that Novak felt that I’d caused, and as I stand here now, I stand by that apology to Novak if he felt any disrespect, which quite clearly he does.”
‘Putrid’
Kyrgios has commented on the matter, terming Jones’ comments as ‘putrid’, having teamed up with Djokovic to play men’s doubles at the Brisbane Open in the build-up to the Australian Open.
“How the f**k does this guy still have a f**king job? It is putrid stuff. Tony Jones you absolute flop. F**king Chompers mate,” Kyrgios said on Instagram.
Aussie Kyrgios was beaten in both the first round of the singles and doubles at Melbourne Park, his first appearance in a Grand Slam in 18 months.
Nick Kyrgios said Channel 9 host Tony Jones should be sacked after making derogatory comments towards Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today