Tony Jones, a reporter from Channel Nine, is in the news for his clash with Novak Djokovic and Serbian fans at the Australian Open. After Djokovic won his match against Jiri Lehecka, he skipped the usual interview on the court. He later explained in a video that he was upset about comments made by a “famous sports journalist from Channel Nine,” which everyone understood was about Tony Jones.
On Friday, while in front of Djokovic’s fans waving Serbian flags at Melbourne Park, Jones greeted them, saying, “Welcome back to Melbourne Park! Look at all the Novak Djokovic fans! They’re very loud with their chants.” Then, he pretended to join in the teasing chants about Djokovic, singing, “Novak, he’s overrated,” and “Novak’s a has-been.” After Djokovic’s picket, wanting an apology from Jones, the reporter realized he made a mistake. He recognized that his comments reminded people of the past troubles Djokovic faced when he was forced to leave Australia before the 2022 tournament. Djokovic said those memories still bother him.
Jones has worked for Channel Nine for 38 years and has had other controversies. In 2013, he awkwardly invited fellow presenter Rebecca Judd for a BBQ live on air, and when she said no, he tried to kiss her on the cheek three years later, which turned into a funny moment.
In 2019, Jones was criticized for an interview with Naomi Osaka after her big win. Many felt he was being disrespectful, asking questions about her shopping habits instead of her tennis skills.
At the 2023 Australian Open, he joked around with former tennis player Todd Woodbridge. Some fans thought he was too rough on Woodbridge. He also upset player Danielle Collins by calling her a “brat” after she reacted to booing fans. Collins responded coolly, saying it was funny for someone “this old” to call her a brat. She even challenged him to dance like Charli XCX, and Jones accepted!
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