Djokovic v Jones: Offensive stitch-up or just another Novak grievance?

Look around. Gaza. Ukraine. Trump … Novak versus Tony – seriously? Let’s move on. Players ready? Play.
For Novak’s sake, what was Tony Jones thinking, when he quipped, “kick him out” on a live cross for Nine News?
Anyone who has experienced injustice, whether perceived or real, does not need to be reminded about it, especially in such a public way. Djokovic, arguably the fittest and healthiest guy on the planet, was deported from Australia three years ago for allegedly putting the wellbeing of everyday Australians at risk. I mean, really?
Djokovic happens to be the greatest male champion of the Australian Open, a 10-time winner and going for 11 this week. He is regarded as the GOAT, the greatest tennis player of all time.
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Context is important. On Friday, supporters of Djokovic, many with Serbian flags, were enjoying themselves in Garden Square at the Australian Open. According to a number at that gathering, they were asked to begin chanting for their man for filming purposes.
They duly complied, not knowing that in the segment Jones would, in an attempt to be funny, begin his own chant: “Novak, he’s overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak, kick him out. I’m glad they can’t hear me”. The last bit was clearly the most offensive bit, given the history.
It was a stitch-up from a senior presenter for the host broadcaster that backfired badly, clearly offensive to (not only) Djokovic supporters. It reopened a deep personal wound with the tournament’s greatest male champion.
Was the wound self-inflicted? One can argue that, as some fellow players did. Djokovic did not forget when he played them next! When he returned in 2023, he won his 10th Australian Open, the beginning of a record-setting spree, culminating in 24 grand slam titles, and the Olympic gold medal. In that contest at Roland-Garros, against Alcaraz, he played close to the best tennis he’s ever played.
Yes, he refused to be vaccinated, yet equally he refused to compromise his principles. There are good reasons to disagree with his stance, and you can do that all you want, but it’s difficult not to respect that he’s a man who stands by what he believes.
Of course Djokovic was offended by Jones’ comments, and rightly so, along with his supporters, the broader Serbian community in Australia and the many Australians who were troubled by his deportation.
To Jones’ credit, he apologised again on Monday and said he regrets any offence, which is to be respected. However, it perhaps came too late, as Djokovic had boycotted his post-match on court interview with Nine the previous night. It’s now escalating into an international incident, which I suppose can happen when you pull a prank with a punchline that went badly wrong.
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