New Delhi: Novak Djokovic’s celebration of his Wimbledon 2024 quarter-final qualification on Monday didn’t last long as the world no. 2 accused the fans present at the Centre Court of “disrespecting” him during his withering on-court tirade after routing Denmark’s Holger Rune in straight sets, earning a statement fourth-round win. Despite the stunning win, Djokovic added another unwanted memory to his bag as his hot-and-cold relationship with Wimbledon took another turn.
Playing in a fourth-round match against 15th-ranked Rune, Djokovic found a section of Centre Court fans chanting “Rune” as a way of booing him. The frustration that he vented out during his post-match address was quite evident as he launched a scathing attack on the fans. Even his 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win didn’t make things better for him as he eyes an eighth Wimbledon title.
Post-match, when Djokovic complained of fans disrespecting him, the on-court interviewer clarified that they were supporting his opponent Rune with his chants, but Djokovic didn’t accept any of it.
“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. And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player.. in this case me.. have a goooooooood night,” an angry Djokovic said as he mocked the fans’ elongated cries of “Ruuuuune”.
Giving a strong reply to the interviewer, the Serbian star said, “They were (booing). 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 said.
“I have been on the tour for more than 20 years. I know all the tricks, I know how it works. 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,” an irked Djokovic said.
Here’s a clip of his post-match speech –
Novak Djokovic not happy with the crowd at Wimbledon after match with Rune
“I know they were cheering for Rune but that’s an excuse to boo… I know all the tricks..”
“I’ve played in much more hostile environments. You guys can’t touch me”
🥶
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 8, 2024
Djokovic later told reporters, “I respect true fans but if someone steps over the line I will react. I don’t regret my words or actions on the court.
Not the only incident for Djokovic…
However, this isn’t the first time that Djokovic and the Wimbledon crowd entered a brawl. His relationship with the crowd has not always been serene, which can be confirmed through his past couple of incidents at the SW19.
Let’s revisit the moments when Djokovic and the Wimbledon crowd had a tussle –
After Djokovic beat Roger Federer in the 2019 final at the All England Club, his ex-coach Boris Becker said that he deserved more respect from a one-sided crowd who had mostly rooted for his opponent.
5 years ago, Novak Djokovic had the most legendary comeback ever at the Wimbledon 2019 final.
Just look at his eyes.
Instead of staring defeat from 15-40 down, he stared down Federer and defeated him and silenced the crowd.
Ice cold. 🥶pic.twitter.com/oqnEo1ksfL
— Danny 🐊 (@DjokovicFan_) January 7, 2024
And in 2022, Djokovic faced booing when he blew a kiss to fans following his semi-final win over Briton Cameron Norrie.
DJOKOVIC ADVANCES 🔥
Novak Djokovic beats Cameron Norrie in four sets to reach his 32nd (most-ever) men’s Grand Slam final
Djokovic will face Nick Kyrgios on Sunday.
(via @Wimbledon)pic.twitter.com/2GJH325l4f
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 8, 2022
Headline’s can make pictures fun 📸 Novak Djokovic blows sarcastic kisses to the crowd and is booed after beating Cameron Norrie pic.twitter.com/GlBpYpUnZT
— Richard Pelham (@DickiePelham) July 9, 2022
Novak Djokovic wasn’t pleased with the way the fans at the Centre Court behaved during his fourth round clash against Holger Rune as his hot-and-cold relationship with Wimbledon took another turn. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
