“Unprofessional hack” – Netizens trash Melbourne journalist for controversial remarks on Novak Djokovic and Serbian fans at Australian Open
Novak Djokovic supporters censured veteran Australian journalist Tony Jones for sledging the 10-time Australian Open winner.
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Novak Djokovic (Image via X)
Channel 9 host Tony Jones has been at the receiving end of criticism from Novak Djokovic supporters following a controversial remark he made during a live broadcast. Jones made those comments when he was reading sports news from Melbourne Park.
On Friday (January 17), the World No.7 played his third-round match against Tomas Machac and defeated him in straight sets. Many Serbian fans huddled up outside the Nine News Melbourne booth and it was when Jones attempted to get under their skin by sledging the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
Back to Melbourne Park where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans in full voice. Yeah, their chants are quite extraordinary. Novak! He’s overrated! Novak’s has-been! Novak! Kick him out! Boy! I’m glad they can’t hear me. Alright, that wraps it up from Melbourne Park. Somehow, I’m going to have to get out of here.
Tony Jones said on Nine News Melbourne
The 63-year-old journalist claimed later it was just banter, but in spite of that, fans on social media are censuring him, calling his remark unprofessional.
It was a good-natured banter with the Serbian fans. We’ve been doing it all tournament, and it’s all in good fun. This is a Happy Slam.
Tony Jones told news.com.au
I’m sure TJ would never ever have said this about Fed or Nadal.
— Valerie💐 (@AussieVal10) January 17, 2025
Very ugly hey @DjokerNole
Unprofessional @9NewsMelb pic.twitter.com/1rDob11pvX
Fans slam Tony Jones for sledging Novak Djokovic on live broadcast
Novak Djokovic is the most successful man at the Australian Open, has clinched the most Grand Slam singles titles in men’s tennis, and has won the most ATP Finals.
A legend like him was mocked on live television by a veteran newsreader did not go down well with tennis fans, and even Australian doubles great Paul McNamee joined the discussion and expressed his surprise.
Check out their reactions here:
Tony I’m surprised, especially as you work for the host broadcaster, that you would send up a bunch of Aussies (with European heritage) having a good time celebrating their 10 time AO champion… trying to be funny mate? pic.twitter.com/2TohnWTNZ8
— 🎗️ Paul McNamee (@PaulFMcNamee) January 17, 2025
he's still coping about the vaccine lol, leftist australians hate how Novak exposed their whole country
— DANIEL GOT HITS (@danielgothits) January 17, 2025
I believe this comes from Tall Poppy Syndrome combined with Stockholm Syndrome.
— JP (@jpmalietzis) January 17, 2025
This started in January 2022 when a lot of Australians realised they had been coerced into getting jabbed in 2021 (even when they didn’t want to do it) and then seeing someone (Novak) who used logic…
Who is this unprofessional HACK? What a disgrace. 🤮
— Rodney 🐊 (@RottenKnee23) January 17, 2025
…whatever that was: trolling the fans, annoyed at the fans, joking with the fans etc I think it missed the mark and was in poor taste, lacking respect
— Valerie💐 (@AussieVal10) January 17, 2025
Omg what the hell is that??? This is beyond unprofessional, just absolutely pathetic
— Dim🐊 🇧🇬 (@Dimyx_) January 17, 2025
@Burns77C bro what is this ?? They are high rated news channel right? Or some c grade news channel.. professionalism in the mud
— Raulgunner10 (@Raulgunner10) January 17, 2025
This is beyond rude and unprofessional What has happened to the @AO which used to be known as the Happy Slam and now has rude reporters and crowds??? Tennis can't sink any lower, miss the sport I used to love
— Vanessa (@VBogenholm) January 17, 2025
Over rated ? Really ? Novak Djokovic has won max number of Grand Slams , Masters 1000 and many more accolades. What is this man even talking about ? I believe He just cant get over his hatred 🙄
— Sadaf Sayeed 🇮🇳 (@Sadafsayeed) January 18, 2025
Djokovic, who defeated Nishesh Basavareddy and Jaime Faria, registered his first straight-set win in the ongoing tournament. He is now scheduled to meet Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round.
The 10-time Australian Open champion, who lost to current World No.1 Jannik Sinner in the semifinals last year, has met Lehecka once, in the 2024 United Cup which he won. The 24th seed is a quarterfinalist in Melbourne, reaching the last eight in 2023.
Before setting up the clash with the 37-year-old, the player from the Czech Republic overcame Li Tu in the first round, before receiving a walkover from Hugo Gaston in the second round.
He then defeated Benjamin Bonzi in straight sets. The World No. 29 has never progressed to the semifinal of a Grand Slam tournament.
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