The Australian Open sells itself as the “happy slam”. But Novak Djokovic isn’t happy. That is not surprising. Djokovic is often unhappy – about other players being more popular than he is, umpires having the nerve to suggest he please get on with it and serve, and, most spectacularly three years ago, COVID-19 rules and regulations. He carries grievances along with racquets in his tennis bag.

Now he is unhappy with Nine’s Tony Jones, who would be well advised never to seek alternative employment as a stand-up comedian or wedding singer. But when the fuss over his now infamous 18-second-long TV segment from the Australian Open dies down – and it will – he should be quietly chuffed. Before Sunday he was a TV guy. Now (thank you, Novak), he has had international exposure as “a famous sports journalist”.

Tony Jones has apologised to Novak Djokovic.Credit: Aresna Villanueva

Jones has apologised for his ill-judged “banter” during a live cross. He regrets any disrespect felt by Team Djokovic and Serbian fans. But the Open’s CEO, Craig Tiley, who got an earful from Djokovic after the player snubbed the on-court TV interview after his last match, should now ponder if the whole “happy slam” thing has gone a bit far.

The Australian Open sells itself as an entertainment experience, not just a tennis tournament. You don’t find waterslides for kids and close-to-the-baseline bars for overgrown kids at Wimbledon.

Players have had to get used to spectators heckling and wandering in and out whenever........

© The Sydney Morning Herald