Novak Djokovic sends fiery message to Wimbledon crowd after ‘boos’ during Holger Rune clash - ‘You guys can’t touch me’
By Ben Southby
Updated 08/07/2024 at 23:57 GMT+1
Novak Djokovic addressed the Wimbledon crowd inside Centre Court in a controversial post-match interview following his victory over Holger Rune to reach the quarter-finals. The World No. 2 was under the impression that some fans were booing him throughout the tie, and called them out for their behaviour. “They were [disrespecting me], I don’t accept it,” Djokovic said.
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Video credit: SNTV
Novak Djokovic told the Wimbledon crowd “you guys can’t touch me” as part of an extraordinary post-match interview on Centre Court following his fourth-round win over Holger Rune.
The Serbian breezed through the encounter to reach the quarter-finals for the 15th time in his career, beating his Danish opponent in three sets without being broken.
But after the match, Djokovic was in combative mood and had a strong message for some of the fans inside Centre Court who he believed were directing jeers towards him during the two-hour clash.
“To all the fans who have respect and have stayed here tonight, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart, I appreciate it,” he said.
Djokovic then added: “And to all those people who have chosen to disrespect the player, in this case, me, have a goooood night. Goooood night. Goooood night. Very good night.”
Many fans and pundits thought the crowd were cheering for Rune by elongating the 'u' in the Dane's name, but Djokovic was not convinced and believed they were using it as an excuse to boo him.
“They were [disrespecting me], I don’t accept it,” he said, shaking his head towards interviewer Rishi Persad. “I know they were cheering for Rune but that is an excuse to also boo.
“Listen, I’ve been on the tour for more than 20 years, trust me I know 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 pay the ticket to come and watch the night and love tennis and appreciate the effort the players put in here.
“I’ve played in a much more hostile environment, you guys can’t touch me.”
Later in his post-match press conference, Djokovic reflected on the incident: "It's fully understandable that they have the freedom to choose who they back in the match.
"But if somebody steps over the line, I react. That's basically what it was."
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The statement win for Djokovic - who came into the match predicting “fireworks on the court” - means he will face Australian Alex de Minaur for a spot in the semi-finals.
The World No. 2 overcame stomach troubles and a strapped-up right knee following surgery to surge into the last eight, but claimed he “felt great on court” and is taking things “day by day”.
Djokovic is chasing a record-equalling eighth SW19 title, which would level Wimbledon legend Roger Federer’s haul.
Rune: ‘It was my name’
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Rune revealed that the crowd were chanting his name and not booing Djokovic.
The 21-year-old also said that it is not the first time it has happened when he has faced the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
“It all started in the US Open the first time we played each other when I was 18 or something," Rune said. "They were shouting my name, Rune. It sounded a little bit like 'boo'.
“We played each other many more times, but more in like Italy and France, where they don't pronounce my name the same way. Now we're in England. Yeah, I mean, if you don't know what was happening, probably it sounded like 'boo'. But we all know what happened, it was my name.
“Obviously, he's played so many matches since he played me last time. If he didn't remember, it could probably sound different for him.
“I don't think it played a massive part in the match. He was just better than me today. Whether the crowd was this or that, I think was great support for both players, to be honest.
“They were supporting him on good points. They were supporting me. Nice scenes out there on Centre Court.”
Stream daily highlights from Wimbledon at 10pm UK time, as well as the two singles finals live on July 13 and 14, on discovery+
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