Wimbledon 2024: Novak Djokovic blasts 'disrespect' of Centre Court fansWIMBLEDON, England -- Maybe the Centre Court spectators were saluting Novak Djokovic's opponent by saying his name. Maybe they were booing Djokovic, trying to rattle him. The 24-time Grand Slam champion was sure it was the latter -- and he let everyone know he was not happy about it.
Djokovic easily beat 15th-seeded Holger Rune 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in just over two hours Monday night to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals then made sure to get a message across to those fans he thought were against him.
Djokovic briefly discussed the match in his post-match interview before delving into a discussion about the fans in the stands.
"To all of the fans who respect the team and stayed tonight: From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I greatly value it. Furthermore, to that multitude of individuals that have decided to slight the player - - for this situation, me - - have a goooood night. Wonderful night. Wonderful night. He exaggerated the letters "good" and "gooooood night" to make them sound like "boo
was tried to believe that the interviewer was joking with him.
They did. They did. They did. I refuse to accept it. I am aware that they were cheering Rune on. Djokovic stated, "But that's an excuse to also boo." Tune in, I've been on the visit for over 20 years. Therefore, rely on me to know every trick. I understand how it works. It's fine. It's okay. It's OK. I center around the conscious individuals, that have regard, that paid [for] a pass to observe this evening - - and love tennis. Furthermore, love tennis. And we are grateful to the players for their efforts here."
At his news meeting later, Djokovic was found out if he figures the All Britain Club ought to effectively control rambunctious fan conduct.
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his news meeting later, Djokovic was found out if he figures the All Britain Club ought to effectively control rambunctious fan conduct. I don't know what Wimbledon can do about it, you see. I mean, the crowd paid for their tickets at those particular times. They are entitled to be present and cheer in the manner they choose. They absolutely select that option; Djokovic responded, "how they behave or how they choose to support the player is really up to them." You could argue that, at times, a chair umpire or someone else can intervene to calm them down, but there isn't much you can do. You won't take out the entire segment of the group or arena since they're getting rowdy or showing affront."
Rune, who lost the first 12 points of the match and had a terrible start, didn't make much of it.
"In the event that you don't have the foggiest idea what was occurring, presumably it seemed like 'boo,'" he said. " Be that as it may, if we as a whole realize what occurred, it was my name."
Given how long it has been since the same thing occurred at their previous meeting, Rune added that he could see how fans' chants of his name could sound a lot like booing to Djokovic. However, he did not believe it played "a massive part in the match."
5has won the championship at Wimbledon seven times, and he was the runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz last year.
"I played in much more hostile environments, trust me," Djokovic said. "You guys can't touch me."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
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