In a significant shake-up before Wimbledon 2025 Australian broadcaster Channel Nine has removed veteran sports presenter Tony Jones from its tennis coverage lineup. The decision follows an incident earlier this year when Jones was accused of making disrespectful remarks about Novak Djokovic during the Australian Open which sparked widespread backlash.
During the Australian Open broadcast Jones referred to Djokovic as “overrated” and a “has-been” while also alluding to the Serbian star’s 2022 deportation from Australia over visa and Covid-19 protocol issues. “Novak kick him out… Boy I’m glad they can’t hear me” Jones was heard saying on air—comments that did not sit well with Djokovic or his devoted Serbian fan base.
The fallout was immediate with Novak Djokovic opting to boycott an on-court interview after his fourth-round victory as a sign of protest. Djokovic later shared his disappointment publicly stating “Channel Nine here in Australia made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me.”
Tony Jones who joined the Nine Network back in 1986 and has long been a mainstay in Australian sports broadcasting later issued an apology claiming his comments were intended as light-hearted banter. “I considered it to be humour consistent with most things I do but I realise now it was perceived differently” he explained. Jones said he had apologised to Djokovic’s camp shortly after being made aware of their displeasure and acknowledged the broader impact of his words on the Serbian fans who have supported Djokovic passionately over the years.
Despite his apology Channel Nine made the decision to stand him down ahead of Wimbledon coverage a move that many see as a clear message about maintaining respect and professionalism on air. The broadcaster has yet to announce who will replace Jones during this year’s high-profile tournament.
