Novak Djokovic launches bizarre rant accusing Wimbledon fans of ‘disrespect’

During his match with Holger Rune, Novak Djokovic claimed “disrespect” from a segment of the Centre Court crowd for advancing to the quarterfinals of Wimbledon.

In what was anticipated to be a challenging matchup against the world’s No. 15, the seven-time champion prevailed in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, to reach the last eight.

The familiar “Ruuuuuuune” chant carried on as a dialed-in crowd rallied behind the Dane.

Novak Djokovic launches bizarre rant accusing Wimbledon fans of ‘disrespect’: Djokovic seemed to hear those as boos towards him and mirrored them when talked with on court after the match.Novak Djokovic Claps Back At ‘Disrespectful’ Wimbledon Fans

Found out if he partook in the association with the fans at SW19, Djokovic answered: ” Indeed, to every one of the fans that have regard and have remained here this evening: From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I greatly value it.

“And to all those individuals who have made the decision to disrespect the player—in this instance, myself—have a wonderful evening. Fantastic night, fantastic night. Very happy evening. Yep.”

Djokovic has done this before; the pair’s match at the 2021 U.S. Open was accompanied by similar fan support and the Serb’s subsequent response.

Djokovic cut in and told him that the supporters weren’t disrespecting Rune at all—they were just making comments about him. They were, were, and would always be. I don’t have to agree with it. “No, no, no,” he said, interrupting the inquiry.

“I am aware that they were cheering for Rune, but that is also a reason to boo. Listen, I’ve been on the tour for more than 20 years, so I know that. It’s fine, it’s fine, and it’s okay because I know all the tricks and how it works.

Novak Djokovic launches bizarre rant accusing Wimbledon fans of ‘disrespect’:  “I concentrate on the respectful individuals who pay the admission fee to watch tennis tonight and enjoy the sport. Additionally, I enjoy tennis and value the players’ efforts here. I played in environments that were much more hostile. Believe me. You folks can’t contact me.”

Djokovic was made to hold on until 7pm nearby time under the steady gaze of getting on the court after Taylor Fritz beat Alexander Zverev in five sets in the match past.

Players struggle with that kind of “tension,” but Djokovic was content to perform in “important moments” to advance.

He stated, “I’m very pleased.” To be honest, I don’t think he has played at his best. It was an extreme beginning for him, he lost every one of the 12 primary places and I think in a manner that got to him intellectually. It’s never easy to wait all day to play on the court. The strain is building, each hour that passes. It’s getting harder and harder for you to leave the court.

On my part, I believe I have behaved appropriately during crucial times. I remained strong, I confronted several break focuses when I was serving for the subsequent set and in the third set too.

“Things might have looked a piece changed in the event that I dropped those help games, however better believe it an extremely strong exhibition eventually and exceptionally glad to get past in three sets.”