- Nick Kyrgios has defended Novak Djokovic
- Djokovic launched a tirade against the crowd on Centre Court
- Australian star Kyrgios said he ‘liked’ Djokovic’s comments
Nick Kyrgios has supported his good friend Novak Djokovic after the tennis star had a brawl with the Wimbledon crowd on Monday night.
The 37-year-old seven-time champion Djokovic decided to deviate from the slick post-match interviews fans have come to expect following his fourth-round win over Holger Rune and took his anger out on the crowd on Centre Court.
The Serb expressed his disappointment at what he perceived as boos from some of the spectators, although it appeared as if the crowd was merely cheering ‘Ruuuuuune’ for his opponent.
“To all the fans who showed respect and stayed here tonight, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I appreciate it,” he began. “And to all those people who chose to disrespect the player – in this case me – have a goooooooood night.”
His rather bemused BBC interviewer Rishi Persad said: ‘I hope they were just commenting on Rune and not disrespecting you.’
Djokovic – who has a track record of stirring up crowds – was having none of it. ‘They were. They were [disrespecting me]’ he insisted. ‘I don’t accept it. No, no, no. I know they were cheering for Rune, but that’s an excuse to boo too.
“Listen, I’ve been on tour for over 20 years. I know all the tricks. I focus on the respectful people who pay the ticket, and love tennis and appreciate the players. I’ve played in much more hostile environments, believe me – you can’t touch me.”
Nick Kyrgios, who is also known for his meltdowns on court, told BBC Sport afterwards: ‘It wasn’t [booing] but I think the public all over the world should understand that Novak doesn’t need any extra motivation to play better.
Nick Kyrgios has defended Novak Djokovic after his Monday night tirade
Djokovic took aim at the Centre Court crowd after his clash with Holger Rune
‘He’s driven, one of the best players in the world and I’ve seen it time and time again: the crowd tries to tease him and you don’t want to do that to Novak.
“He loves it. I try not to poke the bear when I play against him… and I really struggle with that. It cost me my Wimbledon final, of course.
“He doesn’t need any extra motivation to prove he’s the best of all time.”
He later took to Twitter, now known as X, to defend his friend Djokovic. Responding to a fan who suggested the Serb’s tirade was “influenced by Kyrgios”, the Australian said: “Maybe. I think it’s great.”
Djokovic stood by his words during his subsequent press conference.
“If I feel the crowd is crossing the line, I react,” he said. “I don’t regret my words or actions on the field.”
He also tweeted a photo after the game of himself reaching across the field for a ball, with the caption: “Sliding into quarters. Goooooooooooood night.”
And tennis fans appear to be backing the Serb, calling the SW19 crowd’s behaviour ‘despicable’.
“Some people in the audience were despicable,” one fan wrote on X.
Another said: ‘Elite mindset. Would absolutely like to see him win this year.’
“He has the right to speak his truth,” a third fan reasoned. “He has that right. And whoever is offended is offended. He wasn’t being rude or vulgar.
“In this case, he’s the one on the field with the first-hand experience of two decades of hostility. Huge respect for the fact that he’s true to himself.”
A fourth fan added: ‘100% ok. He did it like a champ – and why wouldn’t a GOAT bring it up?
“In court, interviews are full of slick PR phrases. I appreciate an honest conversation much more.”