Veteran Channel 9 presenter Tony Jones has opened up on two of the most talked-about controversies of his long broadcasting career – including the comments that enraged Novak Djokovic and the awkward on-air moment involving Rebecca Judd.
Speaking ahead of his 40-year milestone with the network, Jones addressed the fallout from the 2025 Australian Open, where his remarks during a live cross sparked global headlines.
During the broadcast, Jones told viewers: ‘Novak’s overrated. Novak’s a has-been. Novak, kick him out.’
The comments, made in front of a group of Serbian supporters, were widely criticised and quickly escalated into an international incident.
Djokovic responded by boycotting on-court interviews, later saying the remarks were ‘insulting and offensive’ and accusing Jones of having ‘made a mockery of Serbian fans’.
Jones was ultimately forced to apologise, admitting he had ‘overstepped the mark’ and insisting the comments had been intended as ‘banter’.
Djokovic boycotted interviews after Jones called him overrated, saying remarks were insulting and offensive toward Serbian supporters
Jones apologised publicly for comments, conceding he overstepped the mark and insisted the remarks were intended as banter
The presenter later labelled the Djokovic saga ancient history and refused to revisit the incident despite ongoing public interest
The apology was accepted, but the incident left a lasting mark.
Now, more than a year on, Jones has made it clear he has no intention of revisiting the saga.
‘I’m not going to entertain anyone who wants to talk about it because quite frankly it went on for far too long for what it was,’ he said.
‘I’m not going to reopen it because it’s ancient history. I was there doing the tennis this year and it’s not going to affect me.’
The clash with Djokovic is just one of several headline-grabbing moments in Jones’s career, but none have followed him quite like his infamous attempted kiss with Judd.
The moment occurred live on air in 2016 as Judd signed off from a Melbourne news bulletin.
As Jones leaned in for a cheek kiss, she pulled away, leaving the presenter visibly embarrassed.
Reflecting on the incident, Jones admitted he expects it to define his legacy.
Jones also revisited infamous live television moment where he attempted to kiss Rebecca Judd and was rejected on air
He admitted the awkward incident would define his career, alongside another on-air blunder involving a failed football handball
The long-running joke resurfaced repeatedly on television, even prompting Jones to walk off set during a Footy Show segment
‘I say when my time in television comes to an end I’ll be remembered for two things – stuffing up a handball and trying to plant one on Bec Judd. In both instances I missed the target.’
‘The look of repulsion on Bec’s face, I knew I was in for an uncomfortable couple of weeks but I didn’t expect it to be an uncomfortable couple of years.’
Jones later revealed the moment was not planned, explaining he had intended to present Judd with flowers but improvised when they were not available.
Despite the passage of time, the clip continues to resurface, often at his expense.
Judd herself recently revisited the moment after the pair crossed paths at the Brownlow Medal, revealing Jones appeared reluctant to repeat the gesture.
‘He didn’t. I was a bit disappointed … I think he’s scared to be honest,’ she said.
Jones didn’t shy away from that assessment, later admitting: ‘Was I scared last night? Absolutely.’
He explained he weighed up his options before deciding against any physical greeting.
‘I thought I’ve got four options here. Plant one again? Hug her? Shake hands? Or just let it go.’
‘I chose to let it go.’
The long-running joke has even spilled onto live television, with Jones previously walking off the set of The Footy Show after the clip was replayed and referenced by guests.
‘I tell you what, I don’t mind copping s*** from you lot … but when I start getting it from that, I’m out of here,’ he said as he left the set.
