Fans at Wimbledon may or may not have lobbed boos at Novak Djokovic on Monday during his straight-sets win over Holger Rune. Either way, he had words for the Centre Court crowd during his post-match interview.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion scolded fans for their perceived “disrespect” following his 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win to advance to the quarterfinals.
“And to all those people who have chosen to disrespect the player — in this case me — have a goooooood night,” Djokovic said during his on-court interview. “Goooooood night. Goooooood night.”
Djokovic extended the Os in a mocking tone suggesting that he was booed during the match. His interviewer countered that fans weren’t booing him, but chanting ‘Ruuuuuuune’ in support of his Danish opponent.
Djokovic wasn’t having it.
“They were, they were, they were,” Djokovic said of fans booing. “I don’t accept it. I know they were cheering for Rune, but that’s an excuse to also boo. I’ve been on the tour for more than 20 years. Trust me. I know all the tricks. I know how it works.
“It’s fine, it’s fine, it’s OK. I focus on the respectful people that have respect, that paid the ticket to come and watch tonight and love tennis and appreciate the players and the effort that the players put in here.
“I’ve played in much more hostile environments. Trust me. You guys can’t touch me.”
This commentary drew a mixed response from the crowd of applause and scattered boos that were not to be confused with “Ruuuuuuune.”
Familiar territory for Djokovic
Djokovic has been here before. He’s been a lightning rod since he refused to take a COVID-19 vaccine at the height of the pandemic and since. He’s faced boos multiple times on the court and has repeatedly egged on his detractors.
It was a scene that played out again during Monday’s match, whether the boos were real or perceived.
Before Djokovic prevailed in the second set, Rune fought back multiple set points, drawing impassioned reactions from the stands. Those reactions drew repeated pleas from the chair umpire for silence from the crowd.
After he successfully served for the set, Djokovic stared down the Centre Court crowd with his lips pursed in a mock kiss. Or was it a boo?
Djokovic will have his next chance to confront Wimbledon fans Wednesday during a quarterfinal match against Australia’s Alex De Minaur, who’s name most certainly does not rhyme with boo.