Serbian tennis icon Novak Djokovic has had an incredible season thus far. He has achieved personal milestones that others have only dreamed of. Djokovic, unfortunately, is also one of the most polarizing figures in the sport today and is booed by crowds constantly. He had had enough of the jeers during his latest match at the Davis Cup, and his reaction shocked the fans.
Novak has had a busy couple of weeks. He went straight to Malaga for the Davis Cup after winning the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. Serbia took on Great Britain in the knockout match and defeated them. But the crowd reaction to Djokovic winning over Cameron Norrie was frosty, to say the least.
Djokovic has been on the receiving end of boos of late, and it was no different in Malaga. However, Djokovic’s own response to the jeering was. The crowd was raucous throughout the match, and even more so during Novak’s interview.
Drama. 😮
🥁 The Team GB section was playing drums during Djokovic’s interview, after knocking Great Britain out of the Davis Cup:
Novak replied: “Learn how to respect players, learn how to respect people, you shut up, you be quiet.” pic.twitter.com/SNNsCcxtSn
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) November 23, 2023
Novak put up with it during the match and even blew the crowds a kiss. But eventually, it got to a point where Djokovic had had enough of the nuisance and hit back at them for not respecting players. “You shut up, you be quiet,” he said to them.
Novak is not new to being booed on the court, and he often eggs them on. However, his reaction to it this time has taken fans by surprise. Many have wondered why Djokovic attracts such drama and asked him to look in the mirror. Here are a few reactions to the incident.
Djokovic should respect first. Then the fans will follow.
— Stefanos Tsakiris (@tsakiris_stef) November 23, 2023
Why is it that nobody else attracts such drama everywhere they go?
About time he looks into the mirror!
— BiLateral (@Bi08101657) November 23, 2023
Novak Djokovic has been on a record-breaking spree recently. He recently completed 400 weeks as the world’s number-one player. The Serb carried his winning form to Malaga, ensuring Serbia’s berth in the semifinals.
Novak Djokovic seals Serbia’s semifinal berth in Davis Cup
Serbia outclassed Great Britain in every way in their quarterfinal clash in Malaga. With Great Britain out, Serbia is set to take on Italy in the semi-final.
It was a crucial match, and Miomir Kecmanovic played spectacularly to defeat Jack Draper 7-6(2), 7-6(6), in the opening rubber. Novak then took on Norrie and defeated him 6-4, 6-4 to make it 2-0 and clinch the tie between them. It was also Djokovic’s 21st consecutive singles win at the Davis Cup.
21 consecutive Davis Cup singles match wins ✅@DjokerNole books Serbia’s place in the semi-finals with a straight sets victory against Cam Norrie, 6-4, 6-4 🇷🇸#DavisCupFinals | @TSSRBIJE pic.twitter.com/qZlYW1UXQC
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 23, 2023
Novak broke Cameron early in both sets and held his own serves quite well. Norrie fought valiantly, but Djokovic proved to be too good for him.
Serbia will take on Italy in the semifinals on Saturday. Novak Djokovic is set to meet his young rival, Jannik Sinner, for the third time in the span of 11 days. The last time they had met, Novak defeated Sinner to win the ATP Finals. Can Sinner avenge his loss in the Davis Cup for his country?