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

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.

The Australian Open witnessed a storm of controversy as Novak Djokovic boycotted Channel Nine’s coverage following remarks by veteran broadcaster Tony Jones. Djokovic, a 10-time Australian Open champion,