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.

Channel 9 have resisted calls to stand down Tony Jones from their coverage of the Australian Open, however the TV veteran has issued an apology to Novak Djokovic. There were stunning scenes on Sunday night when Djokovic snubbed an on-court interview with Jim Courier after his match,