Novak Djokovic snaps at Wimbledon fans and refuses to be calmed – ‘I don’t accept this’
Novak Djokovic criticized the “disrespectful” Wimbledon crowd and refused to accept the notion that they were simply cheering for his opponent, Holger Rune. The world No. 2 was unsettled by what he perceived as booing, though commentators suggested that fans were actually chanting “Rune.” After securing a straight-sets victory, Djokovic confronted the spectators in a…
Novak Djokovic criticized the “disrespectful” Wimbledon crowd and refused to accept the notion that they were simply cheering for his opponent, Holger Rune. The world No. 2 was unsettled by what he perceived as booing, though commentators suggested that fans were actually chanting “Rune.”
After securing a straight-sets victory, Djokovic confronted the spectators in a tense on-court interview, asserting his familiarity with such tactics. When the interviewer mentioned the support Rune received, Djokovic began by thanking the respectful fans: “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.”
Djokovic then addressed those who were elongating the “ooh” sound in Rune’s name, making it sound like booing. Mimicking their chant, he said, “And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player, in this case me, have a goooood night.”
When it was suggested that the spectators were merely saying Rune’s name, Djokovic remained firm in his belief that it was a ploy to unsettle him. “They were, they were, they were. I don’t accept it. No, no, no,” he insisted. “I know they were cheering for Rune but that’s also an excuse to boo. Listen, I’ve been on the tour for more than 20 years so I know all the tricks, I know how it works. It’s fine, it’s okay.”
He acknowledged the presence of respectful fans who genuinely appreciated the sport and the players. Djokovic then delivered a pointed message to those he felt were booing: “I’ve played in much more hostile environments, trust me. You guys can’t touch me.”
Djokovic first noticed the “Ruuuune” chants in the second set when Rune saved set points and reacted in frustration. BBC commentator John McEnroe remarked, “They’re not booing, they’re saying Rune. Djokovic is confused by that. He thinks he’s being booed which he absolutely isn’t. The crowd are just trying to keep the young guy in it.” Nick Kyrgios added, “One thing you don’t want to do though is poke the bear.” Kyrgios’ comment proved prescient, as the incident seemed to fuel Djokovic, who went on to win 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.
