Nick Kyrgios has once again stirred up controversy at the Australian Open 2025, this time targeting Nine Network journalist Tony Jones after remarks the journalist made about Novak Djokovic, his close friend and frequent doubles partner. The fiery Australian tennis star didn’t hold back, launching a scathing attack on Jones in a video posted on Facebook. In his unfiltered tirade, Kyrgios criticized Jones’s professional credentials, calling him "an absolute flop" and mocking his appearance by referring to his teeth with the phrase "******* Chompers, mate."
This outburst comes after Jones made several disparaging comments about Djokovic during a segment, calling the Serbian tennis legend "overrated" and "a has-been." Jones went even further, suggesting that Djokovic should be "kicked out," believing that his comments wouldn’t be widely circulated. However, the clip soon went viral, causing widespread outrage, particularly among Djokovic’s supporters, with Kyrgios being one of the most vocal figures in defending his friend.
The controversy intensified when Djokovic decided to boycott his post-match courtside interview after his fourth-round victory over Jiri Lehecka. Djokovic later explained in a press conference that his refusal was a direct reaction to the “offensive and racist insults” he had received from Jones. His decision not to speak with the media further fueled the already tense atmosphere surrounding the Australian Open.
Despite issuing a public apology on the Today Show, Jones claimed that he had already expressed regret to Djokovic's team prior to the escalation. However, Kyrgios and many others remained unconvinced, with the incident highlighting a deeper rift between Djokovic and sections of the Australian media. The dispute also underscored Kyrgios's fierce loyalty to his friend, which has kept him in the spotlight throughout the tournament, even though his own campaign ended with a first-round exit.
Meanwhile, Djokovic is focused on his upcoming quarterfinal match against Carlos Alcaraz, preparing for another high-stakes clash. Despite the tension with the media and a disruptive crowd during his match against Lehecka, Djokovic remains determined. The controversy surrounding Jones and Kyrgios’s support for Djokovic adds another layer of drama to an already intense tournament. Whether Djokovic can use this media storm as motivation to secure another Grand Slam title remains to be seen.
