Novak Djokovic tells Great Britain fans to ‘shut up’ after victory
Novak Djokovic said British fans in Malaga last night shouted, “Cross the finish line” after the world No. 1 beat Cameron Norrie in straight sets to seal Serbia’s place in the semi-finals. “I have surpassed it,” he claimed.
Djokovic watched the opening match, won by compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic, and knew that a victory over British number one Norrie would send his country into the last four.
And the 24-time major champion did just that, defeating the No. 18 player in the world 6-4, 6-4 to face Italy in Saturday’s semifinals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeM6vGlp1M0[/embed]
The match was not without controversy, however, as Djokovic blew a kiss to a rowdy British fan after winning the first set.
This exchange continued throughout the match and escalated further during Djokovic’s post-match interview when a fan from the UK appeared to play a trumpet or drums as Djokovic spoke. But the Serbs clearly didn’t like it. /p>
“Learn to respect the players, learn how to behave, learn to respect people, learn to shut up, learn to be quiet,” Djokovic said amid the noisy crowd. He pointed and shouted.
Great Britain captain Leon Smith suggested to the press that this atmosphere was what made the Davis Cup, and that “I didn’t think it was that bad.”
“One of the great things about Davis Cup and team competition is that the goal is to really make some noise,” Smith said.
He continued as follows: “There was some exaggerated commentary and I heard some of it. I’ve had enough quiet tennis anyway, so I don’t want it to be even quieter. I think I was just a little irritated by the noise coming from behind me.” As I said, I don’t think it was that bad.”
Achievement unlocked 🔓🇷🇸@DjokerNole overtakes Nenad Zimonjic for the most Davis Cup match-wins by a Serbian player 👏#DavisCupFinals | @TSSRBIJE pic.twitter.com/PkSkVoREIM
– Davis Cup (@DavisCup) 23. November 2023
Djokovic still believes the fans’ actions were excessive, but he has since taken a more balanced view of the situation. “In Davis Cup, it’s normal for fans to cross the finish line from time to time, but in the heat of the moment, you also react to it. Whatever you do, I will respond. p>
“At the end I tried to speak and they started beating the drums on purpose and tried to embarrass me for the entire match. I spoke a little at the end.”
Djokovic and the rest of the Serbian team will take a day off before playing Italy on Saturday for a spot in the Davis Cup final.
Here, Djokovic will likely face Jannik Sinner, who defeated Djokovic in Turin last week and got revenge in the ATP Finals.
In the baseline…
At Davis Cup, players have to accept that the atmosphere is more tribal and different from the regular ATP Tour. However, playing a loud instrument while someone is talking was probably going too far, and Djokovic had every right to be annoyed. Back to tennis: Serbia looks like a big threat to winning his second Davis Cup title, but Sinner is by far Djokovic’s biggest obstacle in Malaga.
Read more – Davis Cup: Top 5 most successful countries in the Open Era
