An agitated Novak Djokovic wrongly thought he was beeing jeered by the crowd on Centre Court. The Serbian was in total control against the Dane after taking the first set, and then earned three set points at 5-3 up in the second.
But he uncharacteristically proceeded to blow all three on his own serve, and as the unmpire called deuce, a chorus of ‘Ruuunnneee’ rang out around the arena.
The Serbian however, mistakenly thought the boos were directed at him, and looked angrily towards spectators
He then held out his arms, as if to ask why he was getting such treatment. But on BBC commentary, John McEnroe moved to clarify matters, saying: “They’re not booing they’re saying Rune.
Djokovic is confused by that. He thinks he’s being booed which he absolutely isn’t. The crowd are just trying to keep the young guy in it.
Co-commentator Nick Kyrgios though, thought the backing for Rune could inspire the second seed to up the ante. “One thing you don’t want to do though is poke the bear,” he argued.
I’ve seen multiple matches where crowds, and people, make comments that annoy Novak and what happens? He ends up playing better. He doesn’t need more of a motive.”
The 37-year-old appeared rattled though, hitting the deck as he squandered a fourth set point. And again the crowd used the Rune chant, reminiscent of what England cricket fans do when Joe Root walks out the crease.
His family also appeared confused. The cameras panned onto wife Jelena and son Stefan, both of whom looked perturbed as fellow spectators got behind the 21-year-old
Djokovic eventually lost a marathon game, giving Rune a lifeline. However, the fightback was short lived, with Djokovic breaking straight back to take the second set. An early break in the third then put the seven-time Wimbledon winner on the brink of the last-16.
Despite his status as an all-time great, Djokovic has endured a fractious relationship with the crowds at SW19. In his famous final with Roger Federer five years ago, raucous fans notably turned on the Serb, who eventually won a classic match in five sets.
