All 24-time Grand Slam singles champion Novak Djokovic wants is a little respect, which is why he accused sections of the Centre Court crowd at Wimbledon on Monday of using Holger Run chants as an “excuse to boo” and sabotage his efforts.
The B.B.C. Reports During the pair’s fourth-round match, hundreds of fans greeted every winner by Rene and every mistake by Djokovic with extended chants of “Reneee!”
Djokovic, who beat the Danish challenger 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, felt that some in the crowd were showing him disrespect.
When on-court interviewer Rishi Persad pointed out to the Serb that they were rooting for their opponents, Djokovic implied there was more to it than that.
“I know they were rooting for the Loons, but that’s an excuse to boo them too,” he said. “I’ve been on tour for over 20 years, I know all the tricks.”
Djokovic is seeking a record eighth Wimbledon men’s singles title and has reached the SW19 final nine times.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia (right) greets Holger Run of Denmark after the third round of the men’s singles during the eighth day of the Wimbledon Championships 2024 at the British Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England on July 8, 2024. (Photo by Shi Tang/Getty Images)
According to a BBC report, the crowd isn’t always calm when Djokovic is playing.
After beating Roger Federer in the 2019 final, his former coach, Boris Becker, said he deserved more respect from a biased crowd that was largely on his opponent’s side.
And two years ago, Djokovic was booed for blowing kisses to a fan after his semi-final win over Britain’s Cameron Norrie.
Djokovic appeared unfazed for much of the match on Monday, but stared down a group of Loon supporters after winning the second set.
He also stood by a microphone, facing the cheering fans as he waited for his on-court interview, ready to continue his march to the finals in an attempt to avenge last year’s loss.
20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic to win Wimbledon. https://t.co/AgTyQ8KPux
—Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) July 17, 2023
“I’ve played in tougher conditions and believe me, you’re no match for me,” he said, as reported by the BBC. “I’m incredibly grateful and thankful to all the fans who stayed here tonight out of respect.”
Rune, on the other hand, ignored the concerns of the losers.
“If you didn’t know what happened, it probably sounded like ‘Boo,’ but if everyone knew what happened, it was my name,” the 21-year-old said.
Djokovic returns to Centre Court on Wednesday to face Alex de Minaur and will be expected to use today’s events as fuel for his next match.
