SUMMARY
- Novak Djokovic overcame yet another hurdle in Melbourne.
- During a crucial point in the match, the Serb confronted a heckler in the stands.
Serbian legend Novak Djokovic has successfully launched his defense of the Australian Open title in Melbourne. Djokovic overcame a difficult opponent in the second round, with a tough crowd to boot. As engrossing as the match was, there was ample drama too, and Novak hit back at a heckler in the fourth set.
Djokovic has looked far from his best at the tournament this year. Even though he is the defending champion, Novak has survived two scares in consecutive matches. Young Dino Prizmic pushed Djokovic to play his longest-ever first-round match at a major event. In the second round, Alexei Popyrin proved to be a worthy opponent.
While the match itself was closely contested, it took an ugly turn as a fan hurled disrespectful comments at Novak. The Serb has always had a contentious relationship with spectators, but this time he challenged the heckler to “say it to his face.”
This is the moment when someone in the crowd said something to Novak Djokovic & Novak said: “Come down & say it to my face” 🔥
So Disrespectful to the Greatest of All Time @DjokerNole #Djokovic #AusOpen #AO2024 pic.twitter.com/NZzEeJDFhv
— Shane Gupta (@Shanegupta22) January 17, 2024
Djokovic is not new to being booed by the crowd at his matches, and each time, he has used it to his advantage. It was no different in Melbourne, as he used it as motivation to defeat Popyrin.
Following the match, Novak spoke up about the crowd being noisy between the first and second serves. Djokovic also mentioned the heckler and how he apologized to the player when confronted.
Speaking about the heckler….
“All of the sudden there’s absence of courage when he needs to face me”
Well said Nole! 👏🏻👏🏻 #Djokovic 💙 #AO24 https://t.co/KBlg8WDDl8
— Rodney (@RottenKnee23) January 17, 2024
Djokovic even asked Nick Kyrgios if the Australian star was proud of the way he handled the situation. This prompted Kyrgios, who is a commentator this year, to state that he wanted to “do WWE in the crowd.” He also warned “Don’t poke the bear” as Novak is famous for channeling criticism and backlash in his game.
DONT POKE THE BEAR GUYS https://t.co/yc7qDQOnz5
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 17, 2024
Novak Djokovic has looked rusty at the Australian Open so far. His lingering wrist issue has not helped his case either, but Djokovic survived the scare to make it to the third round.
Novak Djokovic overcame a difficult challenge at the Australian Open
Djokovic has his eyes on an 11th title in Melbourne this year. With that record in mind, he locked horns with the local boy, Alexei Popyrin, in the second round. However, Popyrin was up for the challenge and made Djokovic work hard for his victory.
The Serb claimed the opening set in 38 minutes, and many anticipated that he would wrap up the match quickly. Alexei had other ideas, as the Australian won the next set and leveled the scores with a brilliant lob.
Hear the crowd ROAR 🦁
Alexei Popyrin takes second set against 10 time champ Novak Djokovic!@AustralianOpen #AusOpen
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 17, 2024
The third set turned out to be just as dramatic, as Djokovic survived four set points to make it to the tiebreaker. He won the tiebreak to close out the third set. He went on to defeat Popyrin 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 6-3 and move on to the next round.
Novak holds an impeccable record in Melbourne. In addition to winning 10 titles, he has not lost a match since 2018. With this victory, Novak has extended his match-winning streak to 30.
10-time champion Novak Djokovic survives a crazy 3rd set (4-5, 0-40 and a total 4 set points saved), beats Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-3 to reach another 3rd round at the #AusOpen.
30 consecutive wins in Melbourne, 91-8 in his career.
Faces Etcheverry in R3. pic.twitter.com/SpVkOZagsn
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 17, 2024
Novak Djokovic will hope to find his rhythm before his next match against Tomas Martin Etcheverry. Can the defending champion hit his stride? We will soon find out.