Novak Djokovic reacts to 'Wimbledon fans booing him' in Centre Court mix-up
Novak Djokovic got confused by the crowd during his match with Holger Rune.
An agitated Novak Djokovic wrongly thought he was beeing jeered by the crowd on Centre Court. The Serbian was in total control against the Dane after taking the first set, and then earned three set points at 5-3 up in the second.
But he uncharacteristically proceeded to blow all three on his own serve, and as the umpire called deuce, a chorus of 'Ruuunnneee' rang out around the arena.
The Serbian however, mistakenly thought the boos were directed at him, and after winning in straight sets unleashed an extraordinary rant in his on-court interview.
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"Well 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," he said. "I appreciate it. And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player in this case me, have a gooood night."
When it was pointed out to him the crowd were commenting on Rune, Djokovic doubled down. "They were direspecting me. I don't accept it. I know they were cheering for Rune but that's an excuse to also boo.
"Listen, I've been on the tour for more than 20 years so trust me I know all the tricks and I know how it works. It's fine, it's ok. There's some respectful people who paid for a ticket to come and watch tonight and they love tennis and appreciate the players. I've played in much more hostile environments trust me. You guys can't touch me."
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During the match, thinking he was being targeted, Djokovic initially held out his arms as if to ask why he was getting such treatment. But on BBC commentary, John McEnroe moved to clarify matters, saying: "They're not booing they're saying Rune.
"Djokovic is confused by that. He thinks he's being booed which he absolutely isn't. The crowd are just trying to keep the young guy in it."
Co-commentator Nick Kyrgios though, thought the backing for Rune could inspire the second seed to up the ante. "One thing you don't want to do though is poke the bear," he argued.
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"I've seen multiple matches where crowds, and people, make comments that annoy Novak and what happens? He ends up playing better. He doesn't need more of a motive."
Djokovic eventually lost a marathon game, giving Rune a lifeline. However, the fightback was short lived, with Djokovic breaking straight back to take the second set. An early break in the third then put the seven-time Wimbledon winner on the brink of the quarter-final, before he came though 6-3 6-4 6-2.