Novak Djokovic’s history with crowds being against him got another page.
Novak Djokovic gives back to the hecklers (via Imago/X)
Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic isn’t new to playing with the crowds across different stadiums, particularly at Wimbledon. In the fourth-round match against Holger Rune, another such episode occurred where some members of the crowd appeared to boo the all-time great.
However, like the mental fortress he is, Djokovic showed that those boos were nothing more than a meaningless distraction as he continued his quest for a 25th Grand Slam title. He will be meeting Alex de Minaur after his straight-sets win over Rune.
Djokovic’s history with crowds being against him is extensive. In the Wimbledon 2019 final against Roger Federer, the Serbian claimed that he had to do mental training to ensure he didn’t get distracted by the crowds chanting against him.
In fact, Djokovic said that when portions of the crowd chanted “Roger [Federer]”, he heard it as “Novak”. Regardless of whether the Belgrade native wins Wimbledon again or not, his storyline with tennis crowds will continue.
Novak Djokovic secured his spot in the Wimbledon quarter-finals by defeating 21-year-old Holger Rune in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. Djokovic, who had dropped sets in his previous matches against Jacob Fearnley and Alexei Popyrin, quickly dominated this match. Rune, though initially overwhelmed, displayed great determination as the match progressed.
Djokovic will next face Alex de Minaur of Australia, who reached his first Wimbledon quarter-final with a 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 win over Arthur Fils. The Serbian swiftly took the first set in just 29 minutes, breaking Rune’s serve early and maintaining his lead throughout. The Dane managed to hold his serve three times, but Djokovic’s early break was enough to clinch the set.
In the second set, Rune showed more confidence, challenging Djokovic’s serve multiple times. However, the former World No.1 broke the 2022 Bercy champion’s serve in the seventh game and held on to win the set. Despite Rune’s efforts, including saving six set points in a long game, Djokovic secured the set with strong serves and a decisive backhand.
The third set saw the seven-time champion break Rune in the first game and resist Rune’s attempts to break back. After a crucial hold in the sixth game, Djokovic broke his younger opponent again to move closer to victory. He then served out the match, as Rune had no energy left to counter.
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Source: USA Today
