Djokovic Accuses Wimbledon 2024 Spectators Of Ridicule Himself

JAKARTA - Former world number one from Serbia, Novak Djokovic, accused the audience of disrespecting him when he appeared in the match against Danish tennis player Holger Rune.

In that duel Djokovic was seen struggling with stomach problems, but could beat the 15th seed with a 6-3 6-4 6-2 straight game at the Center Court, on Monday, July 8, 2024, WIB night.

Rune received support from the audience at the duel. They cheered for Rune by shouting his name, something Djokovic thought was a ridicule for him.

"They (disrespect me). I don't accept that. I know they cheer to support Rune, but that's an excuse to mock me," Djokovic was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

Holger Rune has previously beaten Djokovic twice. It was a win that helped him become one of the new stars in this sport.

However, he rarely bothered the second seed, who actually appeared not so fit on this occasion. Rune even failed to take advantage of two break points.

Djokovic was also seen still wearing a knee shield after undergoing surgery in June 2024 and briefly grabbed his stomach at the start of the second set while taking a deep breath.

Even so, the owner of 24 Grand Slam titles is still able to control the game for the remaining time and ensures a landslide victory to reach the 15th quarter-final at Wimbledon.

"I've been on this tour for more than 20 years. Trust me, I know all the tricks of ridicule. I know ways to ridicule. You can't touch me," said Djokovic.

Djokovic, 37, is currently eyeing his eighth Wimbledon title and 25th Grand Slam title in his career. He is now still two more titles than Rafael Nadal, who is somewhat impossible to catch that record again.

Furthermore, Djokovic will face Alex de Minaur, who confirmed his place in the quarter-finals thanks to a 6-2 6-4 4-6 6-3 victory over host Arthur Fils.