Alexei Popyrin was interrupted by cheering England fans as he tried to serve against Novak Djokovic on Wimbledon’s Centre Court.
The Australian was 1-4 down in the second set when the crowd erupted after learning that England beat Switzerland on penalties at the Euros
But the players saw the fun side as Djokovic mimicked taking a penalty as Popyrin acted as goalkeeper.
Popyrin stole the first set 6-4 against a struggling Djokovic but the world No. 2 kicked into life in the second set and stormed into a 4-1 lead. The world No. 47 was in a tough spot at 30-30 as he tried to avoid relinquishing another break when he was interrupted.
Spectators on Centre Court had been keeping up with England’s progress against Switzerland in their Euros quarter-final. And the stands rang out with cheers when the fans learned that Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the winning penalty just as Popyrin was ready to serve.
We’re just going to have to take a pause for a moment,” BBC commentator Andrew Cotter said as the Aussie was forced to wait for the noise to die down. Pat Cash replied: “I think the players know what’s going on
But Cotter pointed out that they likely had no interest. “He’s Australian, he doesn’t care. Neither does Serbia. We’ve got a Scot and an Australian in the commentary box so we are absolutely ambivalent about the whole thing,” he joked.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion was happy to join in on the fun, however, as he launched his leg into the air and pretended to score a penalty. Popyrin responded perfectly, diving with his arms in the air as though he was saving it.
The world No. 47 finally returned to serve again as Cotter remarked: “Anyway, big point in this match so 30-30 on the Popyrin serve. Well done England.” And Popyrin’s imaginary save inspired him to save a break point to stay on Djokovic’s tail at 2-4.
But the 24-time Major winner levelled things up at a set apiece when he took the second 6-3, perhaps inspired by the boost of celebrating England’s win with the local fans.
