- Aussie grand slam is big news around the world
- Reporters have arrived from around the globe to cover it
- One absolutely butchered the Prime Minister’s name
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese became the butt of the joke during one of the funnier incidents at the Australian Open as an American reporter butchered his name on live television.
ESPN presenter Kris Budden was crossing live from Melbourne Park, reporting on the scandal that has broken involving Australian broadcaster Tony Jones who had to apologise for mocking 10-time champion Novak Djokovic and his supporters.
Budden was relaying the fact that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had commented on the biggest news of the tournament.
But, with a completely straight face, she made a total hash of his name in the process.
‘The Australian Prime Minister Albert Albanese commented on the situation,’ she said.
At least Budden can take some solace from the fact that Mr Albanese has had his name butchered live on air several times before.
Anthony, not Albert, Albanese enjoys the 2024 Australian Open final with his partner Jodie Hayden
Albanese has backed Novak Djokovic and said the champion tennis player has earned respect
In 2019, The Project host Waleed Aly asked Mr Albanese to set the record straight on the correct way to say it after a clip of a host of identities pronouncing it in different ways.
‘[Former LNP minister] Christopher Pyne actually got it right in terms of the Italian pronunciation,’ Mr Albanese said at the time.
‘It’s Alban-ay-zey. But you don’t say spaghetti bolog-nay-zey, do you? So I am not terribly precious about it.’
In 2022, then-deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce mispronounced his surname dozens of times during a major speech at the National Press Club.
And in April, 2024, ABC journalist Michael Rowland was forced to apologise after he tagged an Italian adult film star with the X account name ‘Albo’ instead of the Prime Minister.
While the ESPN reporter butchered his name, the Prime Minister did respond to questions about the Tony Jones and Novak Djokovic furore.
‘I’ll let that go through to the keeper, that’s a matter between them, but I think Novak Djokovic is certainly a fine tennis player,’ Mr Albanese said. ‘There’s no question about that.’
‘And I do think that there is a place for more respect. I’ve seen the comments that were made by the broadcaster that, you know, we need more kindness and generosity and respect, just across the board. I think that’s what people are looking for.’
ESPN journalist Kris Budden made the unfortunate gaffe during a live cross from the Australian Open
Budden, pictured interviewing Australian player Tommy Paul, has been a popular fixture at the 2025 Australian Open
Aussie crowds have been criticised for booing players after double faults and errors during the tournament, while Djokovic was also booed for announcing he was not going to do a post-match interview.
ABC host Hamish McDonald asked the Prime Minister if he was opposed to Aussies booing at the Open.
‘Look, I think that someone booing a fault is wrong myself, but yeah, Australian fans are feisty, and it’s a great tournament, the Australian Open,’ Mr Albanese replied.
‘It’s very enjoyable for all who watch right around the world. And I make this point that Australia doesn’t have many events that are truly global.
‘As much as I love watching the NRL and AFL. They’re not global events. This is an event where the world is watching and Australia puts on a great tournament.’
