After unsavory remarks directed at Novak Djokovic fans, host broadcaster comes under fire from Paul McNamee

The Australian Open 2025 is in full swing and fans have been pouring all week at Melbourne Park to watch their favorite tennis players in action. Of the fans, the most notable group is Novak Djokovic's fans who are there at every Major tournament to lend their support to the 10-time Melbourne champion.

However, an incident involving the host broadcaster has soured the celebratory mood of the Serbian fans. During the coverage of Day 6 (January 17), the host broadcaster fired some sledging remarks regarding the 24-time Major champion at the fans.

Tony Jones, a member of the Channel Nine broadcasting team remarked that Djokovic was past his prime. Jones also made a casual suggestion of throwing the Serbian out of the competition.

Fans were engaged by the behaviour of Jones. They took the social media platforms and aired their discontent.

"Absolutely disgusted in his behavior towards us. They actually asked us to do the chant - then mocked us..Thanks @TJch9..hope you got a good laugh out of it." posted a fan on X (formerly Twitter).

"That's not funny. That's blunted hate & racism. Call it what it is, regardless of whether he is your mate" added another X user

“Welcome back to Melbourne Park, where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans, they’re in full voice,...The chants are quite extraordinary,....Novak, he’s overrated,...Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out....Boy, I’m glad they can’t hear me. Anyway, let’s get onto the tennis.” said Jones (via news.com.au)

Former Aussie tennis player Paul McNamee tweeted, being critical of Jones's comments. The Australian player, who is a five-time Major champion in doubles, sarcastically asked if the broadcaster was attempting to make a joke.

"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?" posted McNamee via X (formerly Twitter).

Novak Djokovic is slated to take on Czech Republic's Jiri Lehecka in the Round of 16 on January 19 (Sunday).

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Novak Djokovic responded to a heckler during his match at the Australian Open

Engaging in a war of words with the spectators is nothing new for Novak Djokovic. The Serbian is often seen giving it back to spectators if heckled or booed in his matches. The to-and-fro exchange seems to charge up the Serbian and get the best out of him.

During his third-round clash with Tomas Machac, the Serbian was constantly being heckled by a certain spectator in the audience. After winning the match, Djokovic signaled to the crowd in response. During his on-court interview with Andrea Petkovic, the heckler again targeted the Serb. However, this time Djokovic light-heartedly diffused the situation.

"Sorry, mate, I have a wife. We can have a drink though. Maybe you’ve had a few already?”..Him and I were going back and forth for quite a while actually,...Listen, I’m happy to have a drink with him now that the match is over. We can reflect nicely on what we’ve said to each other during the match." said Djokovic at the on-court interview.

On court, Djokovic was in top form as he dominantly defeated 26th-seeded Tomas Machac in straight sets, winning the match 6-1, 6-4, 6-4