New Delhi: Novak Djokovic boiled over the fans at the Centre Court, accusing them of “disrespect” in a long speech of criticism after reaching the quarter-finals of Wimbledon 2024 on Monday. World number two Djokovic defeated 15th-ranked Holger Rune in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, earning a statement win. It will be the 60th Grand Slam quarter-final for the seven-time champion at Wimbledon and 15th at the All England Club.
Chasing a record-setting 25th major, Djokovic launched a scathing attack at a section of Centre Court fans who constantly chanted “Rune” throughout the match which the Serbian star took as booing.
“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’ exaggerated “Ruuuuune”
When he was told by the TV interviewer that some fans were shouting “Rune” rather than “boo”, Djokovic hit back. “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,” a frustrated Djokovic said.
Djokovic later told reporters that crowds do have the “right to cheer who they want to cheer”. “I’m not sure what Wimbledon can do about it. You can’t remove a whole section of the crowd if they are misbehaving. I respect true fans but if someone steps over the line I will react,” he said
Routing Rune
Djokovic dropped sets in the second and third rounds and was expected to be tested by Rune, but instead taught the youngster a harsh lesson, winning in a shade over two hours. The 37-year-old is still wearing knee support on his right knee after surgery last month.
𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐤@DjokerNole with a straight sets win over Rune to advance into QF!@Wimbledon | #wimbledon pic.twitter.com/RcI9Tyj6sS
— ATP Tour (@atptour) July 8, 2024
He did not drop a single point in the opening three games against his Danish opponent and engineered a single break in the second set before two more breaks in the third set, cruising to the quarter-finals to set a meeting against Australian ninth seed Alex de Minaur for a place in the semis.
Djokovic eyes to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon men’s titles and also aims to surpass Margaret Court’s mark of 24 majors.
Novak Djokovic blasted a set of fans at the Centre Court for disrespecting him during his Round of 16 clash against Holger Rune, which he ultimately won in straight sets to cruise to Wimbledon 2024 quarter-finals. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
