Australian Open juggernaut Novak Djokovic has blown up at unruly fans in Rod Laver Arena, claiming one was “drunk out of his mind” after being heckled repeatedly during his second-round win.
Djokovic has received an overwhelmingly positive reception from fans in Australia, one year on from his infamous deportation saga. But the Serbian legend was far from pleased as he was targeted by a segment of fans dressed as the titular character of the iconic Where’s Wally?
Djokovic was repeatedly heckled – including between first and serves – with the Serbian at one point in the third set yelling at the crowd: “Shut up! Thank you!”️
At 2-0 up in the the fourth set, Djokovic stopped play to complain to the umpire about the hecklers.
Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments including Every Finals Match. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Djokovic said: “The entire night, the entire night! You know, and what are you gonna do about it?
“You know who it is… The guy is drunk out of his mind, from the first point he’s been provoking me. He’s not here to watch tennis, he just wants to get in my head. I’m asking you – what are you gonna do about it?”
“You heard him at least ten times,” Djokovic continued. “I heard him 50 times… Why don’t you get security, get him out of the stadium?”
One of the group of fans was shown on the big screens in the stadium, leading to strong boos from the remainder of the crowd. But the heckler responded by blowing Djokovic a kiss.
The fans were kicked out later in the set, with Djokovic miming a kissing action himself.
‘Don’t want to wake up’: Popyrin stuns No.8, seals 18-year Aussie first in ANOTHER five-set epic
Staggering Aus Open 21-year first as top TWO seeds gone after wild day of upsets
