Australian broadcaster Tony Jones has apologized to Novak Djokovic for comments he says were intended to be “banter” and “humor.”

The presenter at the center of Novak Djokovic’s decision to boycott on-court interviews at the Australian Open has apologized to the 24-time Grand Slam champion, saying that he “overstepped the mark.” Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones was overlooking a group of Serbian fans while recording a dispatch from Melbourne Park Friday night.

Grand Slam champ looks to move on from controversy after Australian reporter clarifies comments. Favorites Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek advance.

Djokovic said he wanted an apology from Channel 9 and Tony Jones, who called the 24-time Grand Slam champion overrated and a has-been during an on-air appearance at Melbourne Park.

Channel Nine host Tony Jones apologises for a comment — labelled "insulting and offensive" by Novak Djokovic — that prompted the 24-time major winner to boycott on-court interviews.

Australian broadcaster Tony Jones has apologised to Novak Djokovic and fans of the Serbian for comments he made on TV on Friday night that the 10-times Australian Open champion considered "insulting and offensive".

Novak Djokovic says he will not conduct on-court interviews at the Australian Open until he receives an apology for “insulting and offensive comments” from an Australian television presenter. Channel 9 newsreader Tony Jones was conducting a sport segment from Melbourne Park in front of Serbian fans on Friday,

Djokovic has been known to pick a battle with fans in the crowd because it spurs him to play better, and he often thrives off being public enemy No.1. The 10-time Australian Open champion will meet Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals in Melbourne, but will head into the match as a heavy underdog.

Novak Djokovic has received an apology from Australian broadcaster Tony Jones for comments the Serbian found insulting and offensive; watch all the action from the ATP and WTA Tours on Sky Sports Tennis and Sky Sports+,

It was an ill-fated attempt at a joke which horribly backfired. When Tony Jones, the veteran sports broadcaster, made his rabble-rousing remarks about Novak Djokovic in front of a sea of Serbian fans at the Australian Open,

Marcos Baghdatis labeled Tony Jones' comments about Novak Djokovic as "disrespectful and racist" as the Cypriot tennis legend believes the host deserves to be banned from further covering the Australian Open.