The Australian Open sells itself as the “happy slam”. But Novak Djokovic isn’t happy. That is not surprising. Djokovic is often unhappy – about other players being more popular than he is, umpires having the nerve to suggest he please get on with it and serve, and, most spectacularly three years ago, COVID-19 rules and regulations. He carries grievances along with racquets in his tennis bag.
Now he is unhappy with Nine’s Tony Jones, who would be well advised never to seek alternative employment as a stand-up comedian or wedding singer. But when the fuss over his now infamous 18-second-long TV segment from the Australian Open dies down – and it will – he should be quietly chuffed. Before Sunday he was a TV guy. Now (thank you, Novak), he has had international exposure as “a famous sports journalist”.
Tony Jones has apologised to Novak Djokovic.Credit: Aresna Villanueva
Jones has apologised for his ill-judged “banter” during a live cross. He regrets any disrespect felt by Team Djokovic and Serbian fans. But the Open’s CEO, Craig Tiley, who got an earful from Djokovic after the player snubbed the on-court TV interview after his last match, should now ponder if the whole “happy slam” thing has gone a bit far.
The Australian Open sells itself as an entertainment experience, not just a tennis tournament. You don’t find waterslides for kids and close-to-the-baseline bars for overgrown kids at Wimbledon. Players have had to get used to spectators heckling and wandering in and out whenever it suits them. This is all in the name of fan engagement and making tennis more accessible and less stuffy. Attendance figures and ratings suggest it’s working.
But the Open runs the risk of becoming the tennis equivalent of LIV Golf – brash and relaxed and rowdy and fun, yet not taken as seriously as more traditional events. In his segment on Friday night, Jones was plugging into the sweaty, noisy, boisterous vibe that is intoxicating to the tournament and its host broadcaster – also the owner of this masthead. Colour and movement are what’s wanted, especially on John Cain Arena when Nick Kyrgios and the “Nickheads” are in the house.
Jones believed he was engaging in good-humoured badinage, playing to the crowd. Djokovic took offence. Some of his fans, and now community leaders and the Serbian ambassador, have followed his lead. But if the 10-time Australian Open champion feels disrespected, he might want to ponder the dream run he is given. Heat has been an issue, but only once has Djokovic had a day game. All his matches have been scheduled for Rod Laver Arena, while young gun Carlos Alcaraz – his next opponent – has toiled in the sunshine three times.
Jonesgate has reached prime-ministerial level, which is absurd. Anthony Albanese thinks we should all be gentler, kinder and more respectful to each other. True. But he left out a crucial word, the word four-time Australian Open champion Andre Agassi used in 2001 when told that Russia’s Yevgeny Kafelnikov (the 1999 winner) reckoned players were underpaid. Agassi replied: “[He] should take his prizemoney … and go buy some perspective”.
Look around. Gaza. Ukraine. Trump … Novak versus Tony – seriously? Let’s move on. Players ready? Play.
For Novak’s sake, what was Tony Jones thinking, when he quipped “kick him out” on a live cross for Nine News?
Anyone who has experienced injustice, whether perceived or real, does not need to be reminded about it, especially in such a public way. Djokovic, arguably the fittest and healthiest guy on the planet, was deported from Australia three years ago for allegedly putting the wellbeing of everyday Australians at risk. I mean, really?
Djokovic happens to be the greatest male champion of the Australian Open, a 10-time winner and going for 11 this week. He is regarded as the GOAT, the greatest tennis player of all time.
Context is important. On Friday, supporters of Djokovic, many with Serbian flags, were enjoying themselves in Garden Square at the Australian Open. According to a number at that gathering, they were asked to begin chanting for their man for filming purposes.
They duly complied, not knowing that in the segment Jones would, in an attempt to be funny, begin his own chant: “Novak, he’s overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak, kick him out. I’m glad they can’t hear me”. The last bit was clearly the most offensive bit, given the history.
It was a stitch-up from a senior presenter for the host broadcaster that backfired badly, clearly offensive to (not only) Djokovic supporters. It reopened a deep personal wound with the tournament’s greatest male champion.
Was the wound self-inflicted? One can argue that, as some fellow players did. Djokovic did not forget when he played them next! When he returned in 2023, he won his 10th Australian Open, the beginning of a record-setting spree, culminating in 24 grand slam titles, and the Olympic gold medal. In that contest at Roland-Garros, against Alcaraz, he played close to the best tennis he’s ever played.
Yes, he refused to be vaccinated, yet equally he refused to compromise his principles. There are good reasons to disagree with his stance, and you can do that all you want, but it’s difficult not to respect that he’s a man who stands by what he believes.
Of course Djokovic was offended by Jones’ comments, and rightly so, along with his supporters, the broader Serbian community in Australia and the many Australians who were troubled by his deportation.
To Jones’ credit, he apologised again on Monday and said he regrets any offence, which is to be respected. However, it perhaps came too late, as Djokovic had boycotted his post-match on court interview with Nine the previous night. It’s escalating into an international incident, which I suppose can happen when you pull a prank with a punchline that went badly wrong.
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