Novak Djokovic blows ‘disrespectful’ jeers from French Open crowd during third round win

Novak Djokovic seemed annoyed by the jeers of the French Open spectators during his victory over Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

Djokovic fought off a stellar challenge from Davidovich Fokina to reach the fourth round of the French Open for the 14th consecutive year with a 7-6(4) 7-6(5) 6-2 victory.

Throughout the three-hour, 36-minute match, the Serb was jeered and booed by the Roland Garros crowd at Court Philippe Chatrier, seemingly for no reason at all.

After the longest three-set Grand Slam match of his career, Djokovic appeared dissatisfied with the crowd’s reaction, but waved it off.

“The majority of people come to enjoy tennis or to support one player or another,” Djokovic said after his match, according to ESPN.

The crowd cheered the Serb during his straight-set victory over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina

He defeated the Spaniard with a 7-6 (4) 7-6 (5) 6-2 victory in a three hour and 36 minute match

But they are individuals. There are people – there are groups or whatever – who like to berate everything you do. I find that disrespectful and I honestly don’t understand that.

‘But it is their right. They paid for the ticket. They can do whatever they want.’

After being two points from dropping the second set, trailing 5–4 in that tiebreak, Djokovic grabbed the next three points and seized the opportunity to take the second set from Davidovich Fokina.

Djokovic let go of his emotions, roaring and pumping, which did not endear him to the French audience who let out some unfriendly sound.

The world No. 3’s French Open campaign is already embroiled in controversy as he looks set to become the most successful male player in the history of the sport over the next two weeks, currently tied with French Open titan Rafael Nadal.

Djokovic scribbled on camera that “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia” after Monday’s game. It was a nod to the fact that his native Serbia never formally accepted Kosovo’s declaration of independence in 2008, despite recognition by 100 countries and the ITF.

The world number 3 labeled the booking as “disrespectful” during his post-match press conference

His fist pumping did not endear him to the French public who made some unfriendly noise

Djokovic’s message read: ‘Kosovo is the heart of Serbia! Stop the violence’ earlier in the week

His actions earned him a warning from France’s sports minister that his nationalistic, anti-Kosovo message was “not appropriate” and the Serb was told to “stop getting involved in politics” at Roland Garros.

French minister Amelie Oudea-Castera told French TV: “This message is very activist, very political. You shouldn’t interfere, especially in the current circumstances, and it shouldn’t happen again.’

Oudea-Castera, herself a former tennis player, also said Open chief Amelie Mauresmo had spoken with the 22-time Grand Slam winner and his team to emphasize the principle of political neutrality during the tour.

Kosovo’s Olympic Committee head Ismet Krasniqi said Djokovic had “promoted nationalist propaganda and used his sports platform to do so.” He added: “The unrepentant statements made directly led to an increase in tension and violence between nations.”