Annoyed tennis star Djokovic breaks off interview after third question about the Wimbledon crowd

Patrick Lämmle

10.7.2024

After his victory against Holger Rune, Novak Djokovic argues with the crowd. Later, the annoyed tennis star leaves a journalist standing there, who pesters him with questions about the spectators' behavior.

No time? blue News summarizes for you

  • Novak Djokovic is annoyed by an interviewer who only asks questions about the audience, with whom the Serb had previously argued.
  • Djokovic is annoyed by the questions and breaks off the interview early.
  • Djokovic has now reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon.

On Monday evening, Novak Djokovic gets into an argument with the fans in Wimbledon during the winner's interview after his match against Holger Rune, who, at least that's how the world number 2 felt, kept booing him. Read more here.

Djokovic later gives an interview to the BBC, but it is short-lived. The interview begins with a question about the audience, which Djokovic answers with a one-silver. So the interviewer follows up and asks the 37-year-old if he feels he is not getting the respect he deserves as a seven-time Wimbledon champion.

Somewhat annoyed, Djokovic replies: "Look, as I said in the interview after the match: most of the people in the stadium were respectful tonight and I thank them." He said he was grateful for the fans who supported the tennis players. They are one of the reasons why he is still on the tour. And he doesn't take the support for granted. "But when I get the feeling that the audience is crossing the line, I react. I don't regret my words or my actions on the court," Djokovic therefore clarifies.

"Do you have any other questions?"

Now the interviewer wants to know how the behavior of disrespectful fans affects his game. Djokovic has had enough and puts the journalist in a tight spot with his return: "Do you have any other questions apart from about the crowd? I mean, do you just focus on that or do you have questions about the match or something like that? Or do you focus exclusively on that?"

The reporter tries to justify himself by pointing out that Djokovic raised the issue himself after his match. Djokovic interrupts him: "Well, that's the third question. I've said what I had to say."

And so the reporter changes the subject in a flash and asks Djokovic about his upcoming match against Australian Alex de Minaur. Djokovic answers briefly and concisely: "Yes, I'm looking forward to it. It will be a tough match. Thank you." Then the world number 2 gets up and leaves.

Djokovic doesn't even need to play Alex de Minaur on Wednesday, as the Australian declares his withdrawal.