Piers Morgan issues public apology after calling Novak Djokovic a 'liar' and 'cheat'

Piers Morgan has apologised to Novak Djokovic after branding him a 'liar' and a 'cheat' in an extraordinary social media outburst. He made the comments after Djokovic was booted out of the Australian Open in 2022 due to his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19. At the time, those wishing to travel to Australia had to be jabbed in order to gain entry into the country.

In an unsuccessful legal challenge, Djokovic claimed he had the necessary paperwork to be exempt from Australia's vaccine mandate. However, the veteran Serb had his visa cancelled upon arrival and was placed in an immigration detention hotel because he was deemed a public health risk. He was ultimately banned from playing at the tournament and forced to return to Europe.

Morgan was a vocal critic of Djokovic, saying on TV: "If I want to go to America, I have to take a test and show my vaccination status. That's it. So he shouldn't be allowed to play, right?

"It stops you from dying. I mean that's the whole point of the vaccine. He's also a role model who will definitely deter a lot of people who perhaps should have the jab."

Meanwhile, on X (formerly Twitter), he posted: "Covid rule cheat, immigration form liar and anti-vaxxer icon Novak Djokovic loses final appeal against deportation and will be thrown out of Australia without being able to compete in Aus Open. Good."

However, in a teaser clip ahead of Morgan's upcoming interview with Djokovic, he begins their conversation by saying that he wants to make 'an apology'.

Djokovic replies: "What you said, it speaks volumes about the person that you are. I'm just saying, I'm not like that."

The wide-ranging interview, which is set to be released on Tuesday, will cover a variety of topics including Djokovic's future career plans.

In another clip, the 38-year-old admitted that he was losing confidence in his ability to win another Grand Slam title with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz dominating the current scene.

Morgan asked: "Is part of you also thinking, I'm not sure I can compete against these guys at this level now?"

In response, Djokovic said: "To your point, yes, I do have more doubts that I can win Slams, particularly against these two guys."

He also revealed that it would be a dream come true to play his young son, Stefan, in a professional match one day. Djokovic made it clear that he would not be taking it easy, though, adding: "I would kick his a**."