Novak Djokovic on Hecklers: I am fine with the noise, but not when done intentionally over and again


Novak Djokovic on Hecklers: I am fine with the noise, but not when done intentionally over and again

Novak Djokovic

World No.1 Novak Djokovic got one more step closer to his Calendar Slam dream after beating Tallon Griekspoor in the second round of the ongoing 2021 US Open.

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The Serbian superstar shook off his rust and made light work of his opponent, despite some distraction from the unruly crowd at Arthur Ashe. Djokovic who isn’t foreign to ill-treatment from fans, was once again bearing the brunt of some hecklers.

Speaking during his post-match talk, the top seed said, “That guy, for some reason, was calling, raising the sound and kind of screaming just before I would hit my smash, which was a big point. Before that, he would do it a few times. After that, again. That wasn’t nice. That’s all.”

“I don’t mind the noise. Don’t get me wrong. I think it’s important for the entertainment, for the crowds, the music. I get it. But if someone does it over and over again, particularly when you are at his side, he knows why he’s doing it. The guy that I pointed out, he knew exactly what he was doing, and that’s all,” the three-time US Open champion further added.

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Djokovic also clarified how in an individual sport, such unpleasant behaviour can derail the momentum of a player, as compared to a team sport, where the whole team is involved.

When someone from team sports watches it, they probably say “what a spoiled brat”, but it’s a different sport. I am fine with the noise, but if someone does it intentionally during the point over and over again, then it’s not fair.

Djokovic to play Nishikori

Nishikori vs Djokovic
Nishikori vs Djokovic

The 20-time Grand Slam champion will now take on Kei Nishikori in the third round. The two players have met 19 times on the ATP tour and it is the Serb who comfortably leads the Japanese player 17-2. They recently met at the Tokyo Olympics, where Djokovic blasted Nishikori 6-2, 6-0.

The top-ranked Djokovic has already won the first three Grand Slams of the year and is on the threshold of becoming the first man since Rod Laver to win a Calendar Slam in the Open Era.

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Also read: ‘I would like to play mixed doubles with Serena Williams in the future,’ says Dominic Thiem