Novak Djokovic has called out a section of the Centre Court audience for using a chant meant for Holger Rune as a pretext to boo him, further straining his already complex relationship with Wimbledon fans.
Throughout their fourth-round clash on Monday, a significant portion of the crowd celebrated Rune’s successes and Djokovic’s mistakes with drawn-out chants of ‘Ruuuuuuu-ne,’ which Djokovic interpreted as disrespectful.
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After securing a decisive 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory, Djokovic expressed his displeasure to on-court interviewer Rishi Persad, suggesting that the crowd’s support for Rune was a cover for their disdain towards him. “I know they were cheering for Rune but that’s an excuse to also boo,” he remarked. “I have been on the tour for more than 20 years. I know all the tricks.”
Djokovic is vying for his eighth Wimbledon men’s title, which would tie him for the record, and has reached the final nine times. However, his rapport with the Wimbledon crowd has often been contentious.
After his 2019 victory over Roger Federer, his former coach Boris Becker noted that Djokovic deserved more respect from a predominantly pro-Federer crowd. Similarly, Djokovic was booed two years ago following his semi-final win over Briton Cameron Norrie, after he blew a kiss to the crowd.
During Monday’s match, Djokovic largely maintained his composure, though he did direct a stern look at a group of Rune supporters after securing the second set and again when waiting for his post-match interview. “I played in much more hostile environments, trust me – you guys can’t touch me,” he said. “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.”
Rune acknowledged the crowd’s chants, noting, “If you don’t know what was happening, probably it sounded like ‘boo’. But if we all know what happened, it was my name.” The 21-year-old added, “If he didn’t remember, it could probably sound different for him. I don’t think it played a massive part in the match.”
The elongated chanting of names is not new in sports and has been a feature at Wimbledon this year. Sue Barker was met with cries of ‘Suuuuuuuuue’ during Andy Murray’s emotional farewell, and Joe Root received the same greeting that typically follows his cricket achievements: ‘Rooooooooot.’
Djokovic, who will face Australian ninth seed Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals, concluded his on-court interview on a humorous note: “To all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player (in this case me)… have a goooooooood night.”
However, he reiterated his stance. “When I feel a crowd is stepping over the line, I react,” he said. “I don’t regret my words or actions on the court.”
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