Novak Djokovic qualified for the Wimbledon semi-finals this Wednesday. He did it without playing, after Alex Miñaur was ruled out with an injury, something that would allow him to spend two more days without setting foot on Center Court and seeing faces in the London public.
And the Serbian clashed with the crowd after his round of 16 fight against Holger Rune, when he blasted the fans for their behavior towards him.
He was asked about this by the BBC in a tense and very short interview. The reporter broached the subject and, to the third question, Nole responded with a resounding “Do you have any other questions other than the public? Is that all you focus on? This is the third question”.
Because of his reaction. The interviewer asked him about Alex de Minaur. Djokovic did respond to that, though he fixed the issue for a few seconds and then stood up and left. obviously angry.
“To all who respect me, good evening. To those who don’t, good night. I knew they supported Rune, but I also knew that was just an excuse to boo me“said the Serbian in the interview at the foot of the track.
“I’ve been on the tour for over twenty years and I know all the tricks. It’s okay, I focus on the people who respect me and have paid to see me. I’ve played in much more hostile environments. They can’ t do anything”, scolded the Serbian.
In the press conference after the match with Holger Rune, Djokovic clarified what happened.
“I don’t know what Wimbledon can do about it. People have already paid for the tickets. They have the right to be there and support whatever they want.. The seat manager can participate at certain times and they are calm, but nothing more can be done. You don’t kick a part of the stand. It is what it is, it’s part of the sport. This is one of the reasons why we are here and why we are recognized worldwide, it is because of the fans, because of the interest they give in watching the games, in paying for the tickets and in waiting for us. . I respect that”.
“It’s perfectly acceptable for them to support whoever they want, but if they cross the line, I respond“added Djokovic, who has now reached the quarterfinals.
Rune himself explained the situation in his press conference and said it all started at the US Open, the first time they both played, when the Dane was 18 years old.
“A lot of people shout my name and it’s like ‘boo’. Then we played a few times, but in Italy and France, where my name is pronounced differently and now we’re in England. Maybe if you don’t know it might be ‘boo’, but if you know the story you know that’s my name.“.
Despite this chaos, Rune did not apologize for the defeat. “It’s obvious that he’s played a lot since then, if he doesn’t remember that’s normal. I don’t think he played an important role in the game. He was simply better than me, regardless of the crowd. People supported us both. He’s on the big points and so am I”.
Source: La Verdad
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