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Published 08:54 IST, July 9th 2024

Excuse To Boos': Irked Novak Djokovic Responds To Fans In His Own Combative Style

Novak Djokovic gets into a beef with the tennis fans in attendance for his Round of 16 clash against Holger Rune, which the Serbian won.

Novak Djokovic | Image: AP

Novak Djokovic had a great time out there at the All-England club as he competed in the prestigious Wimbledon tournament. Over the years, the Serbian tennis star has had a fair share of critics, but it was seemingly louder during the Round of 16 Match when he faced off against Holger Rune. Perhaps those watching at Centre Court were chanting the name of Novak Djokovic's opponent, or they were jeering Djokovic in an attempt to make him nervous. The 24-time Grand Slam winner expressed his displeasure to everyone when he was certain it was the other way around.

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Novak Djokovic gets into a beef with the audience after defeating Holger Rune in Wimbledon Round of 16 clash

In less than two hours on Monday night, Novak Djokovic defeated 15th-seeded Holger Rune 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 to advance to the Wimbledon quarterfinals. He then made care to reach out to the supporters he believed to be against him following the game. Rune's supporters would frequently stretch out his last name at different competitions, shouting something that sounds a lot like boos. Similar events occurred on Monday, but a furious Djokovic made sure to repay the supporters in person.

In his postmatch interview on the court, Djokovic briefly discussed the match before delving into a conversation about the spectators.

“To all the fans that have respect and that stayed here tonight: Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. I appreciate it. And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player — in this case, me — have a goooood night. Gooooood night. Gooooood night. Very gooooood night,” he said, stretching out the “Os” in “good” so they sounded like “boo.”

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after defeating Holger Rune of Denmark in their fourth round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London | Image: AP

“I’ve 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. It’s OK. I focus on the respectful people, that have respect, that paid (for) a ticket to watch tonight — and love tennis. And love tennis. And appreciate the players and the effort that the players put in here,” Djokovic said right after the match.

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Novak Djokovic's gesture after his win seemingly mocked the fans. He played an air violin, as he put salt in the wounds of the fans who felt sad about him winning. He also gave a bold statement

“I played in much more hostile environments, trust me. “You guys can’t touch me,” Djokovic said

(With AP Inputs)

Updated 10:46 IST, July 9th 2024

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