Djokovic's US Open opponent slams crowd and trash talk etiquette in wild rant

02 September 2023 , 19:40

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Djokovic's US Open opponent slams crowd and trash talk etiquette in wild rant

Novak Djokovic's upcoming U.S. Open opponent Borna Gojo did not hold back when discussing the crowd atmosphere and etiquette rules surrounding tennis.

Gojo has reached the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career, but has the tough task of taking on Djokovic in the Round of 16 on Monday. The Croat has found his form at Flushing Meadows having come through qualifying and won six games to set up his clash with the world No. 2.

Heading into Monday's match, though, it appears his focus is not on the challenge that Djokovic poses. Instead, the 25-year-old went on an extraordinary rant and claimed tennis is 'dying', while also calling on more crowd atmosphere and swearing on court to be accepted.

Gojo told Tennis Majors: "I don’t mind the noise. I played college tennis, so for me it’s always – the crazier, the better. I am used to it. I like it when the atmosphere gets a bit tense, because tennis is an extremely boring sport. As a spectator – you have to stay silent…

"I would change that, look at the other sports. I come watch Hajduk [football team] play and I have to stay silent? Come on!... I feel tennis is a dying product and that we need more of that. I would change all the rules!" One change the world No. 105 would like to see is the introduction of 'trash talking' between players.

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"I would love if the players were allowed a shoulder bump or trash talk, a bit of provocation. We don’t have to fight, but I would like to be able to say something to my opponent. The way things are now – I say something and they call the police instantly, it’s so rigid.”

Borna Gojo slammed tennis' atmosphere (AP)

On the court, Gojo will be in for a real battle against Djokovic, with the Serbian star unbeaten since his defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in July's Wimbledon final. The 25-year-old will take on the 23-time Grand Slam winner for the first time in his career, a moment he describes as an 'amazing opportunity'.

Djokovic meanwhile has not given much away ahead of his first meeting with Gojo. On Saturday the Serbian just about made his way through, seeing off fellow countryman Laslo Djere after finding himself two sets down and on the brink of elimination.

The mammoth five-set match finished at 1:30am local time, and afterwards Djokovic was in no mood to discuss what came next. Asked about his thoughts on Gojo, the world No. 2 said post-match: "To be honest, I don’t really care who I play next. I really don’t care because what I care about right now is just to sleep, recover and recuperate this 36-year-old body.”

Joshua Lees