Marcos Baghdatis rips into Tony Jones over ‘racist’ Novak Djokovic

Marcos Baghdatis labeled Tony Jones’ comments about Novak Djokovic as “disrespectful and racist” as the Cypriot tennis legend believes the host deserves to be banned from further covering the Australian Open.

Last Friday, the Channel 9 host was on air while a group of Serbian fans was standing behind him and loudly cheering for the Serbian tennis star. 

As the chants increased, Jones said that those behind him were saying that “Novak’s overrated” and that “Novak a has-been.”

Djokovic took notice of what was said about him and refused to give Channel 9 an on-court interview after beating Jiri Lehecka on Sunday.

“Couple days ago the famous sports journalist who works for official broadcaster, Channel 9 here in Australia, made a mockery of Serbian fans and also made insulting and offensive comments towards me,” the record 10-time Australian Open champion said in the press.

Baghdatis: It was really disrespectful

“What Jones said was really disrespectful to Novak and to tennis,” the 2006 Austraian Open runner-up told the Australian Financial Review.

“I’m surprised he’s still allowed to be in the grounds. It’s up to Tennis Australia and Channel Nine… but I think it’s a disgrace.

“Actions should be taken. We can’t let it go so easily because we’re talking about racism, in my opinion.”

Meanwhile, Djokovic demanded an apology from Jones and Channel 9 during Sunday’s presser.

And hours later, it came. 

When breaking his silence, the host insisted that he was only joking but that it probably didn’t come out that way and that he regretted his actions.

“I considered it to be humor, which is consistent with most things I do,” Jones said.

Following the apology, Tennis Australia also released a statement, in which they said that Djokovic accepted the apology and that he would return to conducting on-court interviews.