Should Novak Djokovic have avoided picking a fight against Wimbledon Centre Court crowd ahead of his quarterfinal clash?
Novak Djokovic continued his hunt for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title as he brushed aside Holger Rune in the fourth round. Though the Serbian delivered one of his best performances of the season to beat the Danish star, his words on the mic delivered most of the headlines.
Djokovic stunned fans when he took them head-on during his on-court interview, in which he demanded more respect from the fans watching on Centre Court. In unprecedented scenes, the 37-year-old slammed the crowd for what he saw as their behavior toward him. He said that he felt he was booed by a section of the packed house on Centre Court.
Djokovic's response to the situation, regardless of whether the Serbian was being jeered or Rune was being cheered, is sure to ignite the remainder of the competition.
'You can't touch me...' Novak Djokovic blasts 'disrespectful' Wimbledon crowd after fourth-round win
Novak Djokovic cruised to a straight-sets victory against Holger Rune, on his way to the quarterfinal at Wimbledon. The Serbian star didn't need to break a sweat, as he dominated the young Dane from the first point to the last.
In the hope of seeing a competitive match, the crowd started to cheer Rune during the third set to the tune of 'Ruuuune', which sounded a lot like boos. Djokovic felt that the crowd was booing him and decided to confront them at the end of his match.
During his on-court interview with Rishi Persad, Djokovic claimed that the crowd was booing him and cheering for Rune. The Serbian was disappointed by the lack of respect shown towards him and slammed the crowd for their behavior. Djokovic ended his explosive interview by claiming that the Centre Court crowd 'can't touch him' with their hostility.
"I know they were cheering for Rune but that’s an excuse to also boo. Listen, I have been on the tour for more than 20 years. So trust me, I know all the tricks, I know how it works, it's fine, it's fine. I played in much more hostile environments, trust me – you guys can’t touch me,” Djokovic said.
Fans watching games in England have a history of cheering players by their names. In the past, Sue Baker was cheered on in a similar fashion, and the chorus of her name sounded a little like booing. Similarly, English cricketer Joe Root is often cheered with a chorus of 'Rooooot' by the crowd, which also sounds like booing.
Rune was cheered on in a similar fashion against Novak Djokovic, but the Serbian was clearly not happy with it. This is also the first time that one of the all-time greats has openly challenged the Wimbledon crowd mid-way through the tournament.
Is it wise for Novak Djokovic to take on the Wimbledon crowd with the quarter-final coming up?
Novak Djokovic is chasing a historic eighth Wimbledon title to match Roger Federer as the player with the most championships at the SW19. The Serbian was a doubt for Wimbledon after knee surgery but has looked back to his best in the early rounds of the competition.
With Djokovic looking like a potential Grand Slam champion again, a row with the fans could steal the limelight away from the Serbian. Now, all eyes will be on the crowd's reaction to the 37-year-old when he takes to the court for his clash against Alex de Minaur.
The Wimbledon crowd, known for being passionate and self-respecting, could easily turn against Novak Djokovic in the upcoming matches. However, Djokovic thrives when the crowds are against him and enjoys engaging in battle with them.
The Serbian experienced a hostile environment during the Australian Open and the French Open. The 37-year-old faced the wrath of the crowd in Melbourne and Paris but did well to win those matches. Despite not winning any Grand Slam titles this year, the Serbian would be confident of ending his barren run at Wimbledon, even with the crowd against him.
During his match against Holger Rune, Novak Djokovic's children were in the player's box, and the Serbian player might have felt bad for them to witness him being booed. Djokovic said that he felt the fans had crossed a line and he thus had to confront them. However, in the eyes of the fans, they were cheering for his opponent and meant him no menace.
Djokovic has been brave in pointing out his disappointment with the Wimbledon crowd. The Serbian wears his heart on his sleeve and is never afraid to voice his opinion. Now that Djokovic has picked a fight with the crowd at the SW19, we are sure to expect some fireworks in the coming rounds.
Novak Djokovic's fiery post-match interview has meant that the Serbian has taken on the loud Wimbledon crowd. The British crowd, known for their sarcasm and wit, could have a field day when Djokovic takes to the court again in two days. However, the Serbian has often turned boos into cheers throughout his career and will aim to do the same at this year's Wimbledon.