Novak Djokovic is booed by fans for surprising post-match act as he reaches the Australian Open quarter-finals for the 15th time in his career
There were a bit of boos around Rod Laver Arena on Sunday afternoon after Novak Djokovic appeared to decline a post-match interview following his straight sets victory against Jiri Lehecka.
During the tournament, players normally stay on the field to conduct post-match interviews with broadcasters and reflect on the match.
But tonight the 24-time Grand Slam winner took the microphone and briefly thanked the fans in the stadium before marching to the tunnel.
However, Djokovic, who had completed a 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-4) victory against Lehecka, stayed for a moment to sign a few autographs to the crowd, before walking through the tunnel .
“Thank you very much for being here tonight,” he said into the microphone.
‘I appreciate your presence and the support and see you next round. Thank you very much,” he added, before heading for the tunnel.
It is not clear what prompted the ten-time Australian Open champion’s moment.
He was later seen backstage talking to tournament director Craig Tiley and cut a frustrated figure as he waved his hands.
At times during the match, the 37-year-old appeared to become incensed by sections of the crowd who had shouted and tried to throw Djokovic off his game.
Some had also shouted while he was serving, with the Serb sighing before shaking his head.



At one point in the match, Djokovic tried to save serve when a fan shouted, angering the Serb. He protested to the chair umpire, Mohamed Lahyani, about the stoppage, but the referee waved him off.
“I don’t think anyone did it on purpose,” he said.
Despite the bickering, Djokovic managed to secure a place in the quarter-finals for the fifteenth time in his career.
The result set him up for a mouthwatering match against Carlos Alcaraz, who also advanced earlier this afternoon after British star Jack Draper withdrew from the fourth round with a hip injury.
More to follow…