London: Novak Djokovic did not hold back his emotions after clinching his place in a record-extending 60th Grand Slam quarter-final. After outclassing 21-year-old Holger Rune in the fourth round of Wimbledon 2024, Djokovic played violin for his daughter Tara before he launched a sensational rant against ‘disrespectful fans’ in the Center Court on Monday, July 08. Djokovic was ruthless both on and off the court as he marched onwards in London.
There were chants of ‘Ruuunnnee’ whenever Holger Rune managed to trouble Novak Djokovic in their one-sided fourth-round match. Djokovic did not give the crowd a lot of moments to cheer for the Dane as he wrapped up the game in straight sets — 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in a little over 2 hours. Thousands stayed back on a rainy evening in London to watch the fourth-round match, and they left home with memories of a dominant Djokovic on the court and an angry one off it.
“To all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player, in this case me, have a goooooood night! Goooooood night! Goooooood night!” Djokovic said.
Nick Kyrgios, who is part of the commentary panel in London, joined in the fun, sharing a post on X with Djokovic’s viral wish for fans.
Djokovic did not calm down even after the presenter intervened and told him he may have mistaken ‘Rune’ chants for booing.
“I don’t accept that, no, no, no. I know there 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. I know how it works. It’s fine. It’s fine,” Djokovic said.
“I focus on respectful people that have respect that paid the ticket to come and watch tonight and love tennis and appreciate the players and the effort they put in. I have played in much more hostile environments. Trust me, you guys, you guys can’t touch me,” Djokovic said.
The Serb was, as usual, fired up when he thought the majority of the crowd was against him. Djokovic brushed aside concerns about his knee as he made a statement of intent with a one-sided win in a match that was expected to be tested.
Djokovic will next face ninth seed Alex de Minaur in what will be his 15th quarter-final in Wimbledon. Djokovic later went on to explain his on-court outburst, saying he is okay with such reactions from fans and it is what makes the sport a roller-coaster ride.
Novak Djokovic blasts fans’ ‘disrespect’ after reaching 60th Slam quarter-final
