The tennis world has been left in disbelief after Novak Djokovic mocked members of the crowd for their behaviour after defeating Holger Rune at Wimbledon. Djokovic played some of his best tennis so far at this year’s Wimbledon having defeated the dangerous Rune in straight sets in front of a boisterous centre court crowd.
Djokovic now faces Alex de Minaur in the quarter-final with the Aussie looking to reach his first ever grand slam semi-final. The round of 16 match appeared to be straight forward for the seven-time Wimbledon champion considering he did not lose his serve throughout the match against the No.15 seed.
Although Djokovic was clearly frustrated with the crowd as many cheered for Rune throughout the contest. Rune’s fans have also been known to extend his name when cheering for him, which can sound like boos to the players on court.
And Djokovic was unimpressed having taken the chants as a direct dig at him. When Djokovic won the match, he used his tennis racquet to symbolise a violin and pretended he was playing the instrument towards the crowd.
He then went on a rant during his post-match interview and proceeded to mock members of the crowd. “To all the fans that have had respect and stayed here tonight, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I appreciate it,” Djokovic said as the interview took a turn.
“And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player — in this case me — have a goooooooood night,” Djokovic added as he mocked members of the crowd. The commentator suggested they were not booing him, but rather cheering on Rune. However, Djokovic shut down the suggestion.
“They were. They were. I am not accepting it. No no no. I know they were cheering for Rune but that’s an excuse to also boo,” he added. “Listen, I have been on the tour for more than 20 years. I know all the tricks. I focus on the respectful people that pay for the ticket, and love tennis and appreciate the players.
I have played in much more hostile environments, trust me — you guys can’t touch me.” Djokovic’s comments drew a mixed reaction from the tennis world.
Many felt he was entitled to give it back to the crowd having copped so much over the years. More recently, Djokovic has given it back to the crowd in hostile environments. Although many felt Djokovic was not helping himself with his over-the-top reaction having misread the atmosphere on centre court.
Aussie tennis player Nick Kyrgios found the whole interview amusing and had a laugh at Djokovic’s response. Djokovic then doubled down on social media after leaving court.
Alex de Minuar sets up Novak Djokovic clash
Djokovic would have been pleased with his level of tennis against Rune having entered the competition under an injury cloud due to his knee. His victory has set-up a clash with Aussie de Minaur who admitted to have been feeling ‘ginger’ after his victory over talented French prodigy Arthur Fils.
De Minaur said he “jarred” his hip when hitting a forehand during the match. The 26-year-old could be seen hobbling towards the end of the match. Although he attempted to allay fears after and said “it’s probably a little bit of a scare more than anything.
I’m feeling pretty decent. I’ve done my recovery. I’m sure I’ll be feeling great tomorrow. You can count on me going out there, trying my hardest and playing my heart out,” de Minaur said. De Minaur has never advanced past the quarter-final of Wimbledon.
De Minaur has reached the quarter-final stage in a grand slam three times. The Aussie reached the same stage of Roland Garros last month, but has never gone past the final eight. De Minaur is up to World No.6 in the live rankings after his victory over Fils, which is the highest of his career.
