Following remarks made about Novak Djokovic during the Australian Open in January, Tony Jones, a sports anchor for Australia’s Channel Nine, will not be part of the network’s Wimbledon coverage.
Ben McCaffrey of GB News reported on the decision.
“Channel Nine has excluded veteran sports anchor Tony Jones from its Wimbledon 2025 coverage following controversial remarks he made about Novak Djokovic during January’s Australian Open,” McCaffrey said. “The 63-year-old presenter, who has been a longtime fixture of the network’s Wimbledon broadcasts, will remain in Melbourne whilst the tournament unfolds in London.”
Following a win over Jiri Lehecka during the Australian Open, Djokovic wouldn’t speak to Channel Nine’s Jim Courier. His refusal to do the on-court interview stemmed from comments Jones made earlier in the tournament.
While facing a group of Serbian fans, Jones chanted, “Novak, he’s overrated, Novak’s a has-been, Novak, kick him out” before joking “Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me.”
As a result, Djokovic refused to speak with anyone from Channel Nine until an apology was issued, which Jones eventually did.
McCaffrey also detailed what Channel Nine’s Wimbledon coverage will look like without Jones
“Instead of Jones, Channel Nine will utilise its London bureau and fly in tennis experts Todd Woodbridge, Alicia Molik, Sam McClure and Jelena Dokic for commentary duties,” he said.