MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Australian broadcaster Tony Jones has apologised to Novak Djokovic and fans of the Serbian for comments he made on TV on Friday night that the 10-times Australian Open champion considered "insulting and offensive".

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.

Djokovic said he wanted an apology from Channel 9 and Tony Jones, who called the 24-time Grand Slam champion overrated and a has-been during an on-air appearance at Melbourne Park.

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

Novak Djokovic declined to be interviewed after his Austrian Open match on Sunday because of some remarks a television host made toward Serbian fans, and the host has now issued a public apology.

Tony Jones had mocked Djokovic and the Serbian fans, calling the player 'over-rated' and a 'has been'. Read more at straitstimes.com.

An Australian broadcaster apologises to Novak Djokovic for comments he made on TV that the Serb considered "insulting and offensive".

Novak Djokovic boycotted the usual on-court interview after his victory over Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round of the Australian Open. After the

Aussie broadcaster Tony Jones apologized to Novak Djokovic and Serbian tennis fans after he admittedly crossed the line in heckling fans at the Australian Open.