Was seven-time champion Novak Djokovic ignored by the Wimbledon Centre Court crowd? Tennis legend James Blake says the Serb used chants to fuel his drive to become the 25-time Grand Slam champion.
Djokovic slammed the Centre Court crowd for ignoring him during his straight-sets win over Holger Rune in the fourth round of Wimbledon on Monday night.
Djokovic, who underwent surgery on a torn meniscus last month, was expected to face his biggest test in the last 16 against Rune, but the 24-time Grand Slam winner won 6-3 6-4 6-2 to reach the last eight.
It wasn't Rune who knocked Djokovic down, but the fans on Centre Court who objected to him repeatedly chanting their opponent's surname that frustrated the 37-year-old.
Djokovic claims he was booed by the Centre Court crowd
“I would like to thank all the fans who stayed here tonight and showed their respect. I really appreciate it,” Djokovic said in a heated on-court interview.
“And to everyone who chooses to ignore the player, in this case me, good night. Good night, good night. A very good night.”
They told Djokovic they were just chanting runes and not booing, but the second seed hit back.
“They were (rude), they were, they did it. I don't accept that,” Djokovic said.
“I know they're rooting for Rune, but that's just an excuse to boo.
“Listen, I've been touring for over 20 years. Trust me, I know all the tricks. I know how it works, and I'm okay. I'm okay, I'm okay.
“I have great respect for the people who paid the ticket to come watch the game tonight and love tennis.
“I love tennis, I appreciate the players, and I appreciate the effort they put in here. I've played in much more hostile environments. Trust me, you can't touch me.”
Tennis legends came to Djokovic's defence at the All England Club on Tuesday, saying the former world number one no longer needs motivation.
James Blake, world number 4
James Blake says Djokovic uses all negative emotions as motivation.
“I don’t know how much Michael Jordan’s Hall of Fame speech resonated here, but I think it was an interesting mindset because he talked about all the fights he had in his life and career,” said the American, who has been the Miami Open tournament director since 2018.
“When people think he can't do something or say something negative about him, you scratch your head and think, 'It wasn't that bad,' but he used that as motivation and it's hard to motivate Novak.
“He's the greatest player of all time and everyone comes to him. If he needs something to motivate him and he needs a crowd cheering for him, whatever it takes to motivate him will do. He's very good at finding motivation and inspiration every day and that's what he needs.”
Former Australian Open finalist Thomas Enqvist
Sweden's Thomas Enqvist believes Djokovic is now ready to win another Wimbledon title
“When Novak puts his heart into it, to me, it means he's ready,” said the former world No. 4 player from Sweden. “He's got the attitude to play, and that's what we all want to see. Novak's got his heart into it, and he's won this title seven times, so I saw that and thought, 'Yeah, he's ready for another title.'”
Former UK No. 1 Greg Rusedski
Greg Rusedski: 'I Wasn't Rude' To Djokovic
“We had Luke Donald in the Royal Box, ironically, and everyone thought it was rude, but it's just a Danish roar, so there's nothing rude about Novak,” the former US Open finalist said. “He's a great champion and Denmark has a roar for the rune, and as his career progresses we'll hear it a lot more.
“He passed the biggest test with flying colours. Some people were like, 'What test was there?' We saw him do a full split on his knees, which shows he's completely fit. Holger hits the ball harder than most people on tour, but it doesn't bother him at all. He defies logic and now he's joint favourite alongside Jannik Sinner.”
Kyrgios: Fans didn't boo Djokovic | 'He doesn't need more motivation'
Nick Kyrgios tells Djokovic he 'doesn't need more motivation'
Nick Kyrgios told BBC Sport:
“It wasn't a booing, but I think the world audience needs to understand that Novak doesn't need more motivation to play better.
“He's very ambitious and one of the best players in the world. I've seen the crowd try to mess with him many times. That shouldn't happen against Novak.
“He loves it. I try not to touch the bear when I play with him… and I really struggle with it. It obviously cost me my Wimbledon final.
“He doesn't need any more motivation to go out there and prove to anyone that he's the greatest of all time.”
Wimbledon semi-finalist Marcos Baghdatis
Marco Baghdatis feels it could all be in Djokovic's head
“I was travelling so I didn't see him and it's hard for me to comment on him,” the 2006 Australian Open runner-up said. “But I don't know if it was mental issues or people (getting upset).”
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During a match against Djokovic in Rome, Corentin Moutet's phone alarm goes off and everyone involved looks hilarious!
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