Australian sports journalist Tony Jones has finally broken his years-long silence on two of the most talked-about incidents of his career: the on-court moment that left tennis great Novak Djokovic furious, and his widely criticized attempted kiss of broadcaster Bec Rudd.
The Djokovic Incident: What Really Happened?
Jones, a veteran Nine News reporter who has covered professional tennis for over two decades, first addressed the 2022 Australian Open exchange that made global headlines.
During a pre-tournament press conference, Jones asked Djokovic about his ongoing visa dispute and detention by Australian border authorities, a question that prompted an immediate, angry reaction from the then-world No. 1.
"He slammed his notebook shut, glared directly at me, and walked out of the room without saying a word," Jones recalled. "I’d covered him for 15 years at that point, and I’d never seen him that visibly furious."
Jones’ Reflection on the Exchange
"Looking back, I completely understand why he was upset," Jones admitted. "He was facing deportation, the potential loss of his title, and intense public scrutiny. The question was valid, but I could have framed it with more empathy for his situation."
Jones added that he has reached out to Djokovic’s team since the incident, but has not received a direct response from the tennis star himself.
Regret Over Bec Rudd Kiss Attempt
Jones also opened up about the 2019 live broadcast incident where he attempted to kiss fellow Nine News presenter Bec Rudd, a moment that went viral and drew swift backlash for being unprofessional and inappropriate.
"It was a split-second, terrible lapse in judgment," Jones said. "I’ve thought about that moment every single day for the last four years. There is no excuse for it, and I am deeply sorry to Bec, her family, and every viewer who was offended."
Rudd’s Response and Ongoing Impact
Jones confirmed that Rudd accepted his private apology shortly after the incident, but noted the moment still weighs heavily on him.
"Bec was nothing but professional and gracious, which makes my mistake even harder to live with," he said. "It’s a reminder that public figures are responsible for every action, even in unguarded moments."
What’s Next for the Veteran Journalist?
Jones says he has used the two incidents as a catalyst to refine his approach to both journalism and public interactions.
He is currently working on a series of long-form tennis profiles, focusing on empathetic, in-depth storytelling rather than confrontational questioning.
"We all make mistakes," Jones said. "The important thing is owning them, learning from them, and making sure you don’t repeat them. That’s the only way to move forward."
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