Former Serbian tennis player Viktor Troicki has come out in strong defense of his compatriot, Novak Djokovic, after Australian journalist Tony Jones made controversial remarks about the 24-time Grand Slam champion. Troicki criticized Australian news network Channel Nine for not taking strict action against Jones, calling their response unprofessional and inadequate.
Troicki Demands a Lifetime Ban for Tony Jones
Speaking to Bolavip ahead of Serbia’s Davis Cup clash with Denmark, Troicki did not hold back in his criticism of Jones. He firmly stated that if he had any authority, the journalist would have been fired immediately.
“If I had hired that journalist (Tony Jones), I would have fired him straight away. He would never work in sports again.”
Troicki found it unacceptable that an athlete of Djokovic’s stature was mocked during a tournament, arguing that an apology from Jones was insufficient.
“To mock an athlete during the tournament is unacceptable. I don’t think an apology is enough. I think he should be banned for life from covering tennis.”
The former Serbian player also expressed his frustration with what he perceives as ongoing bias against Djokovic from the Australian media. Since the COVID-19 controversy in 2022, when Djokovic was deported from Australia due to his vaccination status, Troicki believes the media has consistently disrespected the Serbian star.
Toni Nadal’s Take on Djokovic’s Crowd Controversy
The controversy surrounding Djokovic didn’t end with the Tony Jones incident. After withdrawing from the 2025 Australian Open semifinal against Alexander Zverev due to injury, Djokovic faced heavy booing from the crowd. Tennis analyst and former coach of Rafael Nadal, Toni Nadal, provided insight into why the fans reacted negatively.
Writing in El País, Toni Nadal suggested that the crowd’s frustration stemmed from unmet expectations of a high-intensity match. He also pointed out that Djokovic’s past actions might have contributed to the skepticism surrounding his injury.
“After an MTO (Medical Time-Out) against Alcaraz, he made a swift comeback and won the match like nothing had happened. Hence, the crowd probably mistook it as one such ‘trick’ and jeered the player.”
However, Nadal also sympathized with Djokovic, acknowledging that if his injury is indeed serious, the Serb has had to endure unfair treatment from the public while facing a potentially career-threatening setback. According to ESPN’s Chris Fowler, Djokovic could be sidelined for a couple of months, but an official update on his health is still awaited.
Ongoing Debate on Djokovic’s Treatment in Tennis
The reactions from Viktor Troicki and Toni Nadal highlight the ongoing polarizing nature of Novak Djokovic’s career. While his achievements in tennis are unparalleled, controversies and media scrutiny seem to follow him. Troicki’s strong condemnation of Tony Jones adds another layer to the debate about how Djokovic is treated by the press, particularly in Australia.
As Djokovic recovers from his recent injury, it remains to be seen how this latest controversy will affect his relationship with the media and the tennis community.
