Novak Djokovic expressed dissatisfaction with the behavior of fans at Wimbledon
9 july 2024 в 23:13
On Monday, Novak Djokovic reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon. However, before he could enjoy his victory after an impressive performance against 21-year-old Holger Rune, he directly addressed the spectators of Centre Court, expressing his dissatisfaction with their «disrespect».
During the post-match interview on the court, Djokovic briefly discussed the game, but then quickly turned to address the spectators.
«To all the fans who showed respect and stayed here tonight: thank you from the bottom of my heart. I appreciate it. And to those who chose to show disrespect to the player — in this case, to me — good night. A very good night», - he said, elongating the «o» in «good» so that it sounded like «boo».
«I know they were rooting for Rune, but that’s no excuse for booing… I know all the tricks».
«I've played in much more hostile environments. You can’t touch me».
When the interviewer suggested that the fans were just rooting for Rune, not booing, Djokovic insisted on his opinion.
«They booed. They booed. They booed. I don’t accept it. I know they were rooting for Rune. But that’s no excuse for booing», - Djokovic said. «Listen, I’ve been on the tour for over 20 years. So believe me, I know all the tricks. I know how it works. It’s normal. It’s normal. It’s okay. I focus on respectful people who show respect, bought a ticket for tonight — and love tennis. And love tennis. And appreciate the players and the efforts that players put in here».
At his subsequent press conference, Djokovic was asked if he thought the All England Club should take measures to suppress unruly behavior from fans.
«Look, I don’t know what Wimbledon can really do about it. I mean, at those moments when it happens, the spectators bought tickets. They have the right to be there and cheer however they want», - Djokovic replied.
«You can’t remove an entire section of spectators or the stadium because of their bad behavior or disrespect».
Despite any alleged mockery, the tennis legend remains professional and focused on his next match.
«I've played in much more hostile environments, believe me», - Djokovic said. «You can’t touch me»
During the post-match interview on the court, Djokovic briefly discussed the game, but then quickly turned to address the spectators.
«To all the fans who showed respect and stayed here tonight: thank you from the bottom of my heart. I appreciate it. And to those who chose to show disrespect to the player — in this case, to me — good night. A very good night», - he said, elongating the «o» in «good» so that it sounded like «boo».
«I know they were rooting for Rune, but that’s no excuse for booing… I know all the tricks».
«I've played in much more hostile environments. You can’t touch me».
When the interviewer suggested that the fans were just rooting for Rune, not booing, Djokovic insisted on his opinion.
«They booed. They booed. They booed. I don’t accept it. I know they were rooting for Rune. But that’s no excuse for booing», - Djokovic said. «Listen, I’ve been on the tour for over 20 years. So believe me, I know all the tricks. I know how it works. It’s normal. It’s normal. It’s okay. I focus on respectful people who show respect, bought a ticket for tonight — and love tennis. And love tennis. And appreciate the players and the efforts that players put in here».
At his subsequent press conference, Djokovic was asked if he thought the All England Club should take measures to suppress unruly behavior from fans.
«Look, I don’t know what Wimbledon can really do about it. I mean, at those moments when it happens, the spectators bought tickets. They have the right to be there and cheer however they want», - Djokovic replied.
«You can’t remove an entire section of spectators or the stadium because of their bad behavior or disrespect».
Despite any alleged mockery, the tennis legend remains professional and focused on his next match.
«I've played in much more hostile environments, believe me», - Djokovic said. «You can’t touch me»
© Smirnova Olga
