Novak Djokovic Walks Out Of Wimbledon Interview After Reporter Asks About Fans 'Disrespecting' Him
Novak Djokovic may have cruised into the quarterfinals of Wimbledon with a dominant straight-set win over Holger Rune on Monday, but that doesn't mean he's fully enjoying himself amid his latest run at the Grand Slam.
Throughout his match against the Dane, Djokovic was met with fans shouting "Ruuuune" when the 21-year-old would steal a point here and there. While fans were simply saying the last name of his opponent, Djokovic took legitimate offense to it.
During his post-match interview on the court, the Serb told the crowd to have a "goooood night" before bluntly calling fans out for disrespecting him throughout his victory. He went as far as to end the interview by telling the crowd "you guys can't touch me."
Djokovic is the sole person responsible for bringing the Wimbledon crowd into the equation, but for whatever reason wasn't pleased when he was asked about the drama during a sit down with BBC ahead of his quarterfinals matchup against Alex De Minaur.
The 37-year-old was asked about how he felt about the on-court interview and the reaction from the crowd and bluntly replied "same."
The reporter then asked if Djokovic felt that he got the respect that he deserved as a seven-time winner. of the tournament.
"As I said in the post-match interview, I think most of the people in the stadium were respectful and I thank them and know that after watching tennis all day it's not easy. I was thankful, I don't take it for granted, they are a big part of why I still play, the crowds who appreciate what we do and the effort we put in," Djokovic said. "When I feel that a crowd is stepping over the line, I react, I don't regret my words or actions on the court."
This naturally led the reporter to ask a follow-up about Djokovic's interactions with the Wimbledon crowd, which led him to ask "do you have any questions other than the crowd" before standing up and walking off of the set.
Djokovic has earned the right to answer any question exactly how he wants to and act however he pleases on the court, but this entire situation was, again, sparked by his own doing.
It feels like an added layer of unneeded drama, but it should hardly be seen as a distraction for Djokovic. If he were to go on to win his eighth Wimbledon title - even after recently undergoing knee surgery - not a single soul would bat an eye.