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.

Veteran Nine sports reporter Tony Jones has apologised on air to Novak Djokovic for “any disrespect” implied by his comments mocking fans of the Australian Open champion, as the Serbian Council of Australia lodged a human rights complaint and called for Jones to be fired.

Novak Djokovic has declined to do a customary post-match TV interview at the Australian Open to protest comments made on air by someone who works for the official broadcaster of the tournament in the host country,