Novak Djokovic faced an unusual interaction with the Centre Court spectators after his victory against Holger Rune on Monday night. The 24-time Grand Slam champion perceived the crowd’s reaction as booing rather than support for his opponent and made his feelings clear post-match.
Djokovic secured his place in the Wimbledon quarterfinals by defeating the 15th-seeded Rune 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in a match that lasted just over two hours. Following his win, Djokovic addressed the audience during his on-court interview.
Rune’s supporters are known for elongating his last name, chanting “Ruuuuuune!” which sounds similar to “Boooooo!” This occurred again during Monday’s match.
“To all the fans that have respect and that stayed here tonight: Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. I appreciate it. And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player — in this case, me — have a goooood night. Gooooood night. Gooooood night. Very gooooood night,” Djokovic said, stretching out the “Os” in “good” so they sounded like “boo.”
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The interviewer suggested that the crowd was not booing him.
“They were. They were. They were. I don’t accept it. I know they were cheering for Rune. But that’s an excuse to also boo,” Djokovic responded. “Listen, I’ve been on the tour for more than 20 years. So trust me, I know all the tricks. I know how it works. It’s fine. It’s fine. It’s OK. I focus on the respectful people, that have respect, that paid (for) a ticket to watch tonight — and love tennis. And love tennis. And appreciate the players and the effort that the players put in here.”
After the match, Djokovic made a gesture as if playing a violin, possibly mocking those he believed were upset by his victory. This win marks his 15th time reaching the quarterfinals at the All England Club, where he has claimed seven championships and was the runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz last year.
“I played in much more hostile environments, trust me,” Djokovic said. “You guys can’t touch me.”
