09 July 2024 , 09:11
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Novak Djokovic was left furious after beating Holger Rune in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals of this year’s Wimbledon championships, unleashing an angry rant at the crowd
Novak Djokovic has unleashed a furious rant at the ’disrespectful’ Wimbledon crowd after beating Holger Rune to reach the quarter-finals of this year’s championship.
Djokovic was left angry with how the crowd treated him during Monday’s last-16 clash on Centre Court. The Danish fans in attendance could be heard vocally supporting Rune, which Master of Ceremonies Rishi Pershad suggested would be the case - but that claim was awkwardly slapped down by the Serbian star.
“I’m very pleased. I don’t think he has played anywhere close to his best to be honest. It was a tough start for him. He lost the first 12 points and I think that got to him mentally," he said on court afterwards.
"Waiting all day to come out on the court is never easy. The tension is building up and stressed to get out on the court. On my end I think I‘ve done things at the important moments. Things could have looked different if I lost those services games but very solid at the end and I’m very happy to get through in straight sets.
"To all the fans that have had respect and stayed here tonight, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I appreciate it. And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player (in this case me) have a goooooooood night."
Persad then stepped in to say: "I am hoping they were just commenting on Rune, and they were not disrespecting you."
But Djokovic hit back and bluntly said: "They were. They were. I am not accepting it. No no no. 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. I know all the tricks. I focus on the respectful people that pay for the ticket, and love tennis and appreciate the players. I played in much more hostile environments, trust me – you guys can’t touch me.
"I’m feeling great on the court and let’s take it day by day. There’s always something to work on in the off days. I’ll speak with my team tomorrow and analyse this match and get ready for the next one."
Rune saw the crowd interaction differently and insisted that it was support for him, rather than any digs at his legendary opponent. "We all know what happened… it was my name… But I don’t think it played a massive part in the match… it was great support for both players," he said in his post-match media duties.
“It all started at US Open the first time we played each other...when the crowd chanted my name and it sounded a little bit like ‘boo…’ then we played each other many more times, more like in Italy and France where they don’t pronounce my name the same way.
"Yeah, now we’re in England. If you don’t know what was happening, probably it sounded like ‘boo.’ But… if we all know what happened.. it was my name."
Despite making the crowd the headline story, Djokovic was then reluctant to speak about it in his own press conference, forcing a tense exchange with the assembled press. "Are you going to keep asking me about the crowd? That’s the third time you’ve asked about that," he directed to a reporter.
"So you’re not going to talk to me about tennis, about the match, about my opponent?" Djokovic questioned. "If someone goes over the line, I react. That was it. After the match I said what I said."
Djokovic beat Rune 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in straight sets to reach the last eight for the seventh successive time, where he will face Alex De Minaur.
He added: "I’m feeling good, I played Alex a few times on different surfaces but this is the first time on grass, He’s one of the fittest guys on the tour. I’ll have to do a lot of running. I’m enjoying my running at 37 years old."
His performance drew high praise from three-time Wimbledon champion John McEnroe. "Djokovic is the guy that’s taken it to Rune from the moment he’s stepped on the court, and despite the fact he’s beaten him twice, it didn’t look like Rune had the belief he could do it here," McEnroe told BBC Sport.
"I actually feel he’s is playing great. He’s looking like Novak Djokovic to me. Arguably the weakest part of Rune’s game is his return. He looks bewildered out there."
It promises to be another partisan crowd on Centre Court, with the Australian De Minaur revelling in his role as honorary Brit at the championships. The Aussie was roared on by partner and British number one Katie Boulter, and with no more home representatives, De Minaur is happy to take a bit of ’home’ support.
“Oh, 100 per cent. I’ll take all the support I can get. I can be the honorary Brit here at Wimbledon,” De Minaur said. “I do feel very loved out there, I must say. I always love coming here to Wimbledon and playing here. I always feel like I play some of my best tennis.
“Over the years I feel like the support I’ve had has grown significantly. It’s a great feeling as a player to know you’ve got a lot of people in that stadium backing you in, having your back when essentially you’re so far away from home. Yeah, definitely over the years I’ve learnt a lot more about the British culture thanks to Katie.”