Andre Agassi has issued an apology for remarks he made regarding Novak Djokovic's ear seeds at Wimbledon this year. The American is serving as a BBC pundit and commentator at SW19 during the tournament.
Agassi's On-Air Accusation
Agassi was in a television studio alongside host Clare Balding and fellow pundit Tim Henman to preview Djokovic's semi-final showdown against world No.1 Jannik Sinner on Friday afternoon. Djokovic ultimately went down 6-4 6-4 6-4. It means the 39-year-old's pursuit of an outright record 25th Grand Slam title goes on. Sinner, by contrast, continues his bid for a fifth Slam and a second consecutive title at the All England Club.
One subject raised by Balding before the match was Djokovic's unconventional ear seeds - described by Balding as "traditional Chinese medicine used to stimulate the pathways and nervous system." The full transcript below captures Agassi's response to the unusual practice.
Transcript of the Exchange
Balding: "Tim wasn't very interested in this when I put it to him earlier, but I'm going to ask you Andre about the little things on his ear, the ear seeding, acupressure points."
Agassi wasn't shown it but must have appeared puzzled as Tim then said below. Henman: "That was my reaction."
Agassi: "Sorry, Novak?"
Balding: "Yeah."
Agassi: "You know if you don't like what Novak's doing, wait a minute. If you like what he's doing, wait a minute. But it seems like every time he's going to do something different in an attempt to make himself better. I don't know what his methodology is, I'm trying to see it, I don't see earrings."
Henman: "I think it's the other ear."
Balding: "It is the other ear. And he's just got these small beads of seeds and you press those, there you go [camera shows them] and that's then stimulating nerve pathways."
Agassi: "Leave a little room that he's started this company or invested in this company, and now he's promoting it." [Henman was heard laughing].
Balding: "I see, got it. Fair enough, I will never ask that again. Gone, gone. Forget I ever said anything."
Agassi: "If I'm being a little inappropriate, I'm sorry but the dude is shrewd on and off the court."
Balding: "Got it."
Agassi's Apology and Profanity
The moment occurred shortly after Agassi had used profanity live on air while discussing Djokovic - something that went unnoticed by his co-pundits or Balding. John McEnroe was present in the studio at the time and was attempting to wind down proceedings while Agassi was analysing the upcoming semi-final encounter.
"I'd like to hear what his perspective is on the next match coming up," McEnroe said, turning to Agassi. The eight-time Major champion responded: "I appreciate it John, normally you like giving your perspective!" Agassi went on to address the Djokovic versus Sinner contest, outlining how the Serbian champion might overcome his young Italian adversary.
"I don't know how much of an answer you want," the 56-year-old told McEnroe, who had lingered on set. "He's got to go!" Clare Balding exclaimed, as McEnroe was due to take up his commentary duties, though McEnroe insisted: "No, no. I want to hear the end of this."
Agassi pressed on with his assessment, observing that Djokovic appeared to be concealing details about any physical difficulties he might be experiencing. "I've also seen Novak do a lot of b****ing over his career about his body and certain situations, but you always feel like he's thrown a bag of tricks at you. Now, I actually feel like he's somewhat hiding some things that he's feeling," Agassi explained, though nobody picked up on the expletive.
