"Would've never said this about Federer or Nadal";"Disgraceful" - Fans slam reporter for trolling 'has-been' Novak Djokovic at Australian Open

Novak Djokovic's achievements were recently called into question by sports presenter Tony Jones in a mocking outburst at the 2025 Australian Open aimed at the Serb's supporters. Tennis fans did not take kindly to Jones' inflammatory remarks, with many calling for his removal from his position.

Following tough matches against Nishesh Basavareddy and Jaime Faria, Djokovic squared off against Tomas Machac in the third round of the Melbourne Slam. The 37-year-old dominated the encounter to claim a 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 victory in two hours and 22 minutes, advancing to the fourth round of the Major.

After the Serb's clinical victory, a group of his supporters gathered outside the Nine News Melbourne booth at the Australian Open and celebrated the World No. 7's win by passionately chanting his name.

Tony Jones, the host of the network's coverage of the Melbourne Slam, responded by mocking the fans with a chant of his own, in which he labeled Novak Djokovic as "overrated" and a "has-been." Jones even suggested that the World No. 7 should be kicked out of the country and expressed relief that the Serb's supporters couldn't hear him from the booth.

"Back to Melbourne Park, where you can see the Novak Djokovic fans there in full voice. The chants are quite extraordinary. Novak, he's overated! Novak's a has-been! Novak, kick him out! Boy I'm glad they can't hear me," he said.

Fans were outraged over Tony Jones' mocking comments, with one fan contending that he never would have made the same statement about Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal while others denounced his "disgraceful" remarks.

"I’m sure TJ would never ever have said this about Fed or Nadal. Very ugly hey @DjokerNole Unprofessional@9NewsMelb," a fan wrote.

"This stopped being a joke the moment he said "kick him out". Just really unprofessional and disrespectful," one fan posted.

"What a disgraceful thing to say!" another fan chimed in.

Fans also questioned the logic behind Jones calling the 24-time Grand Slam champion "overrated," given Djokovic's unmatched accomplishments in the sport.

"The guy with the most slams and most masters and most atp finals and most weeks #1 and most year end #1s is overrated?? LOL!!!!" a fan wrote.

"Of all things he choose to say “overrated” about a man who holds all records in this sport 💀" another fan shared.

"How is he overrated? He's won the most grand slams of anyone else in the world while competing against the second and third best ever. Novak has been treated so poorly by Australian media and in turn by the people here. Mocking a crowd of people who are supporting their countryman is low, even for you TJ," a fan argued.

Others, meanwhile, called for Tony Jones to be fired over his "disgusting" remarks and "unprofessional" conduct.

"Honestly this idiot should be sacked!" one fan commented.

"Poor form from TJ. Honestly have no idea how he keeps his jobs in sport; his attempts at humour are tone-deaf and insufferable," another fan chimed in.

"Am I going too far if I say he should get fired after this? Can't state enough how unprofessional this is. You are a journalist, you're there to share news and cover sport event, not mock people who celebrate their player's win and the athlete himself. Disgusting," a fan argued.

"Is this for real? How do people like this keep their jobs? Seriously mediocre white men get away with anything," said yet another.

Novak Djokovic to lock horns with Jiri Lehecka in Australian Open 4R

Novak Djokovic - Source: Getty

Following his win over Tomas Machac, Novak Djokovic will square off against Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round of the 2025 Australian Open. Lehecka claimed a commanding 6-2, 6-3, 6-3 win over Benjamin Bonzi to book his place against the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

The duo have only locked horns on one previous occasion at the 2024 United Cup, with Djokovic claiming a 6-1, 6-7(3), 6-1 victory. If the Serb extends his perfect record against Lehecka, he will face the winner of the match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jack Draper in a blockbuster quarterfinal clash.

Novak Djokovic is aiming to win his record-extending 11th Australian Open title and 25th Grand Slam crown at this year's event in Melbourne.