“I’m kind of divided between the two,” Novak Djokovic admits to feeling messed up during crowd interventions in the stadium at the Australian Open

Novak Djokovic got past Dino Prizmic in the first round of the 2024 Australian Open.

“I’m kind of divided between the two,” Novak Djokovic admits to feeling messed up during crowd interventions in the stadium at the Australian Open

Novak Djokovic (Credit: NBC Sports)

In a post-match press conference at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic discussed a recently enacted policy that permits fans to enter the stadium during non-changeover times. The world No. 1, who defeated Dino Prizmic in the first round, struggled to take a nuanced stance.

He said in the post-game interview: 

I understand the motive behind it is to enhance & improve the experience for fans ,"
Novak Djokovic said

He emphasized the necessity of catering to the spectators, pointing out that the sport is intended for their enjoyment.

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Djokovic cited Frances Tiafoe, another player who called for a more relaxed spectator approach, similar to other sports in which supporters can walk freely during games. He said:

It's hard, I must say. I understand that & I support it to some extent, but at the same time all my career, all my life I've been used to some kind of atmosphere.
Novak Djokovic added

Djokovic cited a specific incident during his match where the new guideline influenced the flow of play. He was directing to the time when he had to ask the fans to keep quiet. He emphasized the time lost when others were allowed in to take their seats, even though there was no changeover. According to Djokovic, the delay disrupted the game’s rhythm:

I do understand from a tournament and fan perspective it's probably better because they don't want to wait. They want to come out & enjoy every single point. I'm kind of divided between the two in a way.
Novak Djokovic on crowd interventions

Novak Djokovic bashes into the crowd

While playing against Prizmic, a match that required a lot of attention as Djokovic was struggling to secure a point, there came a point where he lost his cool. Upon losing a point, the Serb turned towards the crowd and yelled, “Shut the f*** up!”.

Soon after the chair umpire had to intervene and asked the crowd to remain silent.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image via Imago)

The match was one of the longest first-round matches that Djokovic has played in a tournament. The young Croatian kept the defending champion on the edges to clinch at least a point. Although he lost the match, he received a lot of appraisal from his opponent.

In the post-match speech, Djokovic appreciated his defense, his tenacity as well his resilience. He lauded the teenager for making the most of the hard court and had the firm belief that he was going to achieve great things in the future.

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