- Novak Djokovic, 37, was unhappy with some of the crowd on Centre Court
- He accused some of them of booing him during his victory over Holger Rune
- Djokovic later walked out of a BBC interview after being questioned on the topic
Novak Djokovic walked out of an interview with the BBC on Monday evening shortly after beating Holger Rune in three sets on Centre Court at Wimbledon.
Djokovic won 6-3 6-4 6-2 on Monday in the last match played at SW19.
Immediately after the match, Djokovic expressed his disappointment about the behavior of some of the crowd during an on-court interview.
The 24-time Grand Slam singles champion believed some fans were booing him, but they were reportedly actually shouting “Ruuuuuuune” in support of his 21-year-old opponent.
After leaving Centre Court, Djokovic sat down for another interview, but the conversation didn’t last long.
Novak Djokovic pictured shortly before walking out of a BBC interview on Monday
Djokovic’s conversation with the BBC lasted only a few minutes, after which he got up and walked away.
The interview began with the reporter bringing up Djokovic’s post-match comments about the crowd, then asking him what he thought about it after he had some more time to think about it.
Djokovic replied: ‘Same.’
The 37-year-old was then asked whether, as a seven-time Wimbledon champion, he feels he gets the respect he deserves.
An excited Djokovic responded: ‘Look, as I said in the post-match interview, I thanked all the people.
Djokovic had previously criticised the crowd on Centre Court, accusing them of disrespecting him
‘Most of the people in the stadium tonight were respectful and I thank them. I know it’s not easy after watching tennis all day,
“So I was grateful. I don’t take it for granted. Obviously they’re a big part of why I’m still playing, the crowd and the people who really appreciate the tennis players and what we do and the effort we put in.
“We appreciate that they pay for tickets and come to support us and to support tennis, to support this beautiful tournament. So I always try to acknowledge that. But if I feel the crowd is crossing the line, I react. I don’t regret my words or actions on the court.”
Then came another question about the audience. The reporter asked him how their behavior affected his game.
But Djokovic wouldn’t say anything more about it. He hit back: ‘Do you have any questions other than the crowd? I mean, are you just focused on that or do you have questions about the match or something, or is it just focused on that?’
The seven-time champion turned his on-field interview into a tirade about what he felt were boos directed at him
The reporter then tried to justify his questions by pointing out that it was Djokovic who first brought up the subject after his match.
But Djokovic said, ‘Well, I mean, this is the third question. I said what I had to say.’
Eventually the reporter changed the subject and asked Djokovic about his next match, against Australian Alex de Minaur, but for the Serb this seemed too late.
He gave a brief answer before standing up and leaving: ‘Yes, I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a tough one. Thanks.’