The seven-time Wimbledon champion appeared to mistake chants of "Ruuuune" and sarcastically said "goooood night" in his on-court interview after his 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory against Holger Rune. Later, Djokovic stood by his position, writing on social media: "Sliding into quarters, Goo000000od night."
And speaking in his post-match press conference, the world No2 said: "When I feel a crowd is stepping over the line, I react. I don't regret my words or actions on the court."
The BBC interviewer Rishi Persad had tried to explain the Rune shouts, but Djokovic preferred to play the pantomime villain, using any perceived animosity - however misplaced - to further motivate him.
Speaking to Persad and the crowd on Centre, he said: "I know they were cheering for Rune, but that's an excuse to also boo. I have been on the tour for more than 20 years - I know all the tricks."
This story is from the July 09, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
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This story is from the July 09, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
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