Novak Djokovic has been working hard at Wimbledon this year to secure his eighth title at the legendary British tennis tournament. On July 8, Djokovic triumphed over 21-year-old Holger Rune of Denmark, but it was what happened after the match was over that raised eyebrows.
Throughout the match, many eager fans were reportedly cheering for Rune by yelling his last name. When people drew it out, it sounded like boos, which Djokovic addressed and mimicked when speaking to reporters after the match.
"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 good night," he said, dragging out "good" to sound like a long "boo."
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When an interviewer hinted that they were cheering for Rune and not booing him, Djokovic pushed back.
"They were, they were, they were," he insisted. "I don't accept it. No, no, no. I know they were cheering for Rune but that's an excuse to also boo."
"Listen, I've been on the [ATP] Tour for more than 20 years so trust me, I know all the tricks. I know how it works," he acknowledged. "It's fine, it's fine, it's OK."
"I focus on the respectful people, that have respect, that paid [for] a ticket to come and watch tonight, and love tennis and appreciate the players and the effort that the players put in here," he added. The crowd erupted in cheers.
"I've played in much more hostile environments," he concluded. "Trust me, you guys can't touch me."
Novak Djokovic not happy with the crowd at Wimbledon after match with Rune
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 8, 2024
“I know they were cheering for Rune but that’s an excuse to boo… I know all the tricks..”
“I’ve played in much more hostile environments. You guys can’t touch me”
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pic.twitter.com/pdnFFQwiGm
Djokovic's next match is against Alex de Minaur of Australia on July 10.
