Novak Djokovic is once again taking on the crowd. © ANSA / TIM IRELAND

Djokovic criticizes audience at Wimbledon

After reaching the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic attracted attention with a curious criticism of the audience.

July 09, 2024

From: dpa

"I would like to thank all the fans who showed respect and stayed here all evening from the bottom of my heart," said the 37-year-old. "To all those who decided not to respect the player, in this case me, I wish you a goooooood night. Goooood night. Goooood night. Very goooood night."

When the interviewer on the centre court of the grass Grand Slam tournament pointed out that the crowd wanted to support his opponent Holger Rune with long drawn-out shouts, the seven-time Wimbledon champion replied: "I don't respect that. I know they were cheering for Rune, but that's also an excuse to boo. I've been on the tour for 20 years. Believe me, I know all the tricks. I know how it works."

Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam titles, including seven Wimbledon triumphs. With a three-set win over Denmark's Holger Rune, the former world number one moved into the quarterfinals and will face Australian Alex de Minaur.