WATCH: Hamad Medjedovic’s coach and former Top-20 player Viktor Troiki subjected to racist chants and Xenophobic abuse at the US Open qualifiers
Disruptive Fan's Tirade Shadows Medjedovic's Defeat
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A tennis fan launched a verbal attack on former professional tennis player Viktor Troicki during the US Open qualifying match at Flushing Meadows on Tuesday evening. Troicki, who retired in 2021 with a career-high position of No. 12 in the world, was at the competition to assist his player, Hamad Medjedovic. Medjedovic was fighting Borna Gojo when the event occurred.
According to sources, Troicki, engaged with a spectator who was vocally supporting his opponent, Gojo. Troicki, apparently angered by the fan’s loud cheering, reportedly advised him to tone down his support. The fan, however, refused to cooperate and launched an angry diatribe on Troicki.
The angry fan tried to break free from the supporters who were restraining him, saying, “Get off me, this is f***ing private. It’s New York, not f***ing Serbia!” he resumed his outburst. The argument heated up, with the supporter attempting to approach Troicki and almost becoming physical.
In the midst of the turmoil, the audience sought to intercede, and a woman in the audience requested security. As the incident became more heated, the crowd attempted to alert the fan that he was approaching a former tennis star, with one person shouting, “You’re talking to Viktor Troicki, come on, man.”
When security arrived, the fan identified Troicki as the initiator, stating that Troicki had instructed him to “Shut up.” Even when security came, the fan continued to be disruptive, defending his conduct by saying, “It’s a gorgeous f***ing day, and it’s a free tournament.” Finally, the fan was removed from Flushing Meadows’ Court 5.
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Furious fan’s verbal attack marks Medjedovic’s loss
Medjedovic, who was coached by Troicki, was unable to turn the match around in the third set. In the first round of qualifying, he was defeated by Gojo with a score of 5-7, 7-6(7), 4-6. Gojo advanced to the second round, where he will face Andrian Andreev.
The highly anticipated US Open is scheduled to begin on August 28. Three-time winner Novak Djokovic will return to Arthur Ashe Stadium after a two-year sabbatical owing to tight Covid restrictions in 2021 and 2022. Djokovic, who is rated second in the world, is preparing to play defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in a rematch of their Wimbledon final. Notably, Djokovic had previously defeated Alcaraz in the Western and Southern Final.
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Navya Mishra
(407 Articles Published)