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.

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

Tony Jones has somewhat contradicted Novak Djokovic's version of events, claiming he contacted the tennis star to apologise - over 24 hours before Djokovic launched his boycott of Channel 9 at the Australian Open.

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.

A week after a hamstring injury ended his run at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic, 37, withdrew from Serbia's Davis Cup first-round qualifier, the country's tennis federation said on Tuesday, a move captain Viktor Troicki said has "weakened" the team.