The US Open is set to begin on August 28th, but a recent verbal duel during the qualifiers may have left a bitter aftertaste. A local fan was recorded on camera hurling xenophobic slurs at Viktor Troicki. Security guards finally stepped in and removed the disruptive fan from the stadium. Unfortunately, this entire exchange has already smeared the US Open even before the tournament has even begun.
This incident occurred during Borna Gojo and Hamad Medjedovic’s match on August 22nd. Troicki was in the bleachers to support his pupil Medjedovic.
According to reports, the fan was being too loud while supporting Borna, when Troicki asked him to tone it down. This had the opposite of the intended effect, as the fan then lashed out at Viktor. It was a vile tirade, dripping with xenophobia.
When will we stop with this xenophobic behaviour? pic.twitter.com/cD6tvinQZb
— Mario Boccardi (@marioboc17) August 23, 2023
Other fans had tried to hold him back, but the perpetrator wrenched himself free and advanced towards Viktor. “Get off me, this is f***ing private. It’s New York, not f***ing Serbia!” he was caught saying. Security finally removed the rowdy fan.
The clip of this incident has been shared widely. It has drawn condemnation from fans and pundits alike. Fans have also requested the US Open authorities to increase security, while others want them held accountable. Here are a few fan reactions to the incident.
A disgusting racist and xenophobe.
— Lolana (@LOLANA) August 23, 2023
I’m shocked security allowed this to go on for as long as it did. Viktor is the players coach and needs to be protected against hooligans like this.
Shameful but I hope after this @usopen will increase their security and introduce zero tolerance policy for heckling.
— BoredDutton (@IzMogUgla) August 23, 2023
Some “fans” have never been to a tennis match and must think it’s the same as their mom’s basement. This no class loser should never be allowed again to come to any ATP event and assault a tennis pro. USO and ATP should be liable for negligence and lack of proper security.
— Влад тхе Импалер (@VJ11070) August 24, 2023
Viktor Troicki is a well-known Serbian tennis player. No player allegedly deserves to be treated like this no matter where they are, let alone on the tennis court.
Who is Viktor Troicki?
Troicki is a retired Serbian tennis player. However, Troicki played an important role in Serbia during his prime years. He hung up his racket in 2021 after he failed to qualify for Wimbledon.
Viktor turned pro in 2006. He is a good friend of Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic. Both players led their national team to lift the Davis Cup in 2010. Troicki, however, was the one to play the deciding rubber against France which won them the cup.
During the 2010 edition of the Davis Cup, Viktor had won only one rubber. But it gave Serbia a chance to make a comeback from 2-1 after Djokovic had leveled the scores by defeating Gael Monfils. This win also contributed to Novak’s record of defeating Monfils all 19 times they have clashed on the court.
Viktor has won three ATP titles in his career, but the biggest highlight of his career was being ranked number 12. The Serbian achieved this feat back in 2011.
Viktor was also a part of the World Cup team in 2009 and 2012. By winning the inaugural ATP Cup, Viktor joined an elite club that won all three major team competitions.
Viktor Troicki was an honorable player on the tennis circuit. The incident at the US Open was an unfortunate one. Hopefully, Viktor will make a return soon.
