Yahoo News Novak Djokovic launches furious Wimbledon crowd rant and clashes with BBC presenter
Novak Djokovic has expressed his frustration at the 'disrespectful' Wimbledon crowd after defeating Holger Rune to secure a place in this year's championship quarter-finals.
The Serbian star was not pleased with the way he was treated during Monday's last-16 clash on Centre Court. The Danish fans present were heard loudly cheering for Rune, a situation that Master of Ceremonies Rishi Pershad had predicted - but Djokovic quickly dismissed this claim.
"I'm very pleased. I don't think he has played anywhere close to his best to be honest. It was a tough start for him. He lost the first 12 points and I think that got to him mentally," he commented post-match.
"Waiting all day to come out on the court is never easy. The tension is building up and stressed to get out on the court. On my end I think I've done things at the important moments. Things could have looked different if I lost those services games but very solid at the end and I'm very happy to get through in straight sets."
"To all the fans that have had respect and stayed here tonight, I think you from the bottom of my heart and I appreciate it. And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player (in this case me) have a goooooooood night." reports the Mirror.
Master of ceremonies Persad then intervened to say: "I am hoping they were just commenting on Rune, and they were not disrespecting you."
Djokovic responded strongly, stating: "They were. They were. I am not accepting it. No no no.I know they were cheering for Rune but that's an excuse to also boo."
He went on: "Listen, I have been on the tour for more than 20 years. I know all the tricks. I focus on the respectful people that pay for the ticket, and love tennis and appreciate the players. I played in much more hostile environments, trust me you guys can't touch me."
On his performance, Djokovic said: "I'm feeling great on the court and let's take it day by day. There's always something to work on in the off days. I'll speak with my team tomorrow and analyse this match and get ready for the next one."
Focusing on his upcoming opponent, he added: "I'm feeling good, I played Alex a few times on different surfaces but this is the first time on grass, He's one of the fittest guys on the tour. I'll have to do a lot of running. I'm enjoying my running at 37 years old."
Djokovic won against Rune with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, straight sets, securing his place in the final eight for the seventh consecutive time. Next, he faces Alex De Minaur.
His stellar performance drew plaudits from three-time Wimbledon champion John McEnroe.
"Djokovic is the guy that's taken it to Rune from the moment he's stepped on the court, and despite the fact he's beaten him twice, it didn't look like Rune had the belief he could do it here," quoted McEnroe speaking to BBC Sport.
"I actually feel he's is playing great. He's looking like Novak Djokovic to me. Arguably the weakest part of Rune's game is his return. He looks bewildered out there."
