"Know all the tricks": Novak Djokovic argues with fans
Novak Djokovic outperforms Holger Rune in the Wimbledon Quarterfinals with a score of 6:3, 6:4, 6:2. The Serbian player, who had recently recovered from a meniscus operation and was bandaged around the knee, delivered an impressive performance on Center Court late on Monday evening. However, after the match, Djokovic expressed his frustration towards some parts of the audience.
"Believe me," said Djokovic, who had fixated Rune's fans with sharp glances during the match, "I have played in much more hostile environments, believe me - you cannot get to me." The 37-year-old felt provoked by various spectators throughout the encounter who supported his opponent.
Djokovic did not acknowledge the suggestion that the prolonged "Ruuuune" sounded like boos: "I won't accept that. No! I know they cheered for Rune, but that's an excuse to boo. I've been on the tour for more than 20 years. I know all the tricks." The remaining spectators in the stands responded with a mix of boos and approval to the announcement of the seven-time Wimbledon champion.
Djokovic's relationship with the crowds around the world is complex: The greatest tennis player in history enjoys immense respect for his athletic achievements, yet he does not always receive the affection that his major rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal do. Djokovic often clashes with spectators.
"We all know that it was my name"
It's not always smooth sailing for Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon: After defeating Roger Federer in the 2019 final, his former coach Boris Becker criticized the partisan crowd, which had mostly supported Federer. Two years ago, Djokovic was jeered after throwing a kiss to the fans following his semifinal victory against British player Cameron Norrie.
During the post-match press conference, Djokovic's frustration was still a topic: "When I feel that a large group is overstepping the mark, I react," he said. "I regret neither my words nor my actions on the court," he added. On the court, Djokovic had bid farewell with a subtle gesture - and incorporated the raised vowel sound, which he interpreted as boos, into his final words: "To all those who had decided not to respect a player, in this case me: Have a great night."
Rune himself found the situation harmless: "If you don't know what happened, it probably sounded like a 'Buh'. But we all know that it was my name," said the 21-year-old. "I don't think it played a big role in the match." In truth: Djokovic remained unfazed during the match, maintaining his composure - and denying Rune any chance. In the next round, Djokovic faces ninth-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur.
Novak Djokovic's victory at Wimbledon is not his first challenge in Grand Slam tournaments, as he once expressed frustration towards the crowd during another Grand Slam tournament. With his victory at Wimbledon, Djokovic continues his impressive run in Sport, as he aims to add another title to his collection of seven Wimbledon championships and overall 21 Grand Slam titles in Tennis.
