“If someone steps over the line, I react,’” Novak Djokovic defends his stance on crowd behavior at Wimbledon

Djokovic is set to face Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals.

“If someone steps over the line, I react,’” Novak Djokovic defends his stance on crowd behavior at Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic (Via Imago)

Novak Djokovic has defended his stance on the crowd’s behavior at the Wimbledon Championships. He had lashed out at the fans for their disrespectful behavior throughout his fourth-round match against Holger Rune.

It was a pretty easy contest for Djokovic, who won in straight sets. Despite not being in his best form, the World No. 2 beat the Dane 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. However, the game was marred by an instance where Djokovic took a swing at the crowd by accusing them of being disrespectful.

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While Djokovic is not new to getting on the crowd’s wrong side, this time he was extremely upset with them and even called them out. He was very adamant that the crowd was cheering for Rune only to use it as a ruse for their boos.

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It’s solely up to them. It’s fully understandable. They have the freedom to choose who they are back in the match. If someone steps over the line, I react. That’s basically what it was. After the match I said what I said.

Novak Djokovic said at a press conference

While Djokovic did not have any solution for the issue, he did admit that the fans are free to cheer for their player in whichever manner they see fit. 

I don’t know what Wimbledon can really do about it. In those particular moments, when the crowd paid their ticket… They have the right to be there and cheer the way they want to cheer
Novak Djokovic said via Wimbledon Press

Holger Rune, however, disagreed with Djokovic and said that the fans were in fact cheering him on during the match.

Novak Djokovic pleased with his game, believes Holger Rune was not at his best

World No. 2 Novak Djokovic was dominant against Holger Rune at Wimbledon. While fans expected Rune to push the Serbian to the limits, he did not bring any aggression and failed to capitalize on important moments.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Via Imago)

Djokovic later said that Rune was not at his best, which might have been due to them waiting for a long time before taking to the court late in the day.

I am very pleased. I don’t think he played close to his best to be honest. It was a tough start for him. He lost the first 12 points and I think that got to him mentally. Waiting all day to come onto the court is not easy.

Novak Djokovic said

The Serbian will take on Alex de Minaur next for a spot in the semis. He currently leads the Australian 2-1 in the head-to-head.

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