Australian Broadcaster Tony Jones Dropped from Wimbledon Coverage After Controversial Djokovic Remarks

Tony Jones, a veteran Australian sports anchor, will not be covering Wimbledon 2025 after making insulting remarks about Novak Djokovic during the Australian Open. The controversy sparked backlash from Djokovic and his fans, leading to Channel Nine replacing Jones with a new commentary team. This story underscores the importance of professionalism in global tennis media.

Australian Broadcaster Tony Jones Dropped from Wimbledon Coverage After Controversial Djokovic Remarks

Australian broadcaster Tony Jones will not be part of Channel Nine’s Wimbledon 2025 coverage following inflammatory comments he made about 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic during the Australian Open in January.

In a live broadcast from Melbourne Park, Jones mocked Djokovic’s passionate Serbian supporters before jokingly chanting, “Novak, he’s overrated. Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out.” Though he added, “I’m glad they can’t hear me,” the damage was done.

Djokovic, who has previously clashed with Australian authorities during the 2022 deportation saga, demanded an apology and refused to give interviews to Channel Nine afterward. “Channel Nine made a mockery of Serbian fans and made insulting and offensive comments towards me,” Djokovic stated.

Although Jones later issued a public apology, acknowledging that he had “overstepped the mark” especially with the “kick him out” comment, Channel Nine decided to sideline him for this year’s Wimbledon. Instead, the network will rely on its London bureau, flying in expert commentators including Todd Woodbridge, Alicia Molik, Sam McClure, and Jelena Dokic.

The incident highlights the sensitivities involved in broadcasting international sporting events, where cultural respect and journalistic neutrality are vital.

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