- Novak Djokovic confronted a heckler throughout Wednesday’s second spherical match
- World No 1 Djokovic repeatedly advised the spectator to ‘come say that to my face’
- Nick Kyrgios jokingly supplied to assist Djokovic cope with hecklers afterwards
Novak Djokovic was concerned in a fiery change with a spectator throughout his second spherical match in opposition to dwelling favorite Alexei Popyrin on the Australian Open on Wednesday.
The incident occurred at 2-2 within the fourth set shortly after Djokovic had taken the third on a tie-break to maneuver right into a two units to 1 lead. Walking to the again of the courtroom, the Serbian celebrity seemed up into the gang and obtained into an animated dialog with a heckler, repeatedly telling them to ‘come say that to my face’.
The change continued for a number of seconds earlier than Djokovic ultimately turned his again to refocus on the match, as he tried to maintain his cool after being irked by the followers’ behaviour.
That second appeared to encourage him as Djokovic instantly upped his stage to take the fourth set 6-3 and guide his place within the final 32 in Melbourne. But he was indignant with the response of the gang in the course of the match as they tried to encourage Popyrin to an upset win, and slammed their conduct in a post-match interview.
When requested what he had product of the partisan Melbourne Park crowd, Djokovic responded: ‘Not the very best ambiance to play in, to be sincere. People principally made noise between the primary and second serve your complete match.
Novak Djokovic obtained right into a fiery change with a heckler throughout his second spherical match
Djokovic identified the spectator and repeatedly advised them ‘come say that to my face’
The change appeared to assist Djokovic as he upped his stage to achieve the final 32, however he slammed the Australian Open crowd after the match
‘What actually pissed off me is when anyone heckles me within the crowd. I advised him to say it to my face however there was an absence of braveness in that second.’
Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios was on commentary for Eurosport for the match as he stays sidelined as a result of damage, and he accused the heckler of ‘poking the bear’, which solely elevated Djokovic’s willpower to win after an unconvincing efficiency.
Kyrgios and Djokovic have struck up an unlikely bromance since their Wimbledon last assembly in 2022, and the Australian praised his good friend whereas additionally joking that he can be pleased to assist him cope with any extra hecklers.
After Djokovic urged him to return to the tour to play doubles with him, Krygios replied: ‘I’m prepared. Let’s do WWE within the crowd. I’ll soar in for you, I’ll go first. I’ll get that man out of right here!’
Nick Kyrgios supplied to assist Djokovic cope with hecklers in a hilarious post-match interview
Djokovic laughed at Krygios’ supply earlier than including: ‘I’d love that. Get popcorn and watch that.’
Having triumphed on the Australian Open on 10 events, Djokovic stays on track to defend his title, however he’s but to seek out his greatest type after dropping a set in every of his first two matches this yr.
He appears to be like set for one more stern check in his subsequent contest when he faces Argentinian thirtieth seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
Echeverry dispatched Andy Murray in straight units within the opening spherical, and beat France’s Gael Monfils 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 on Wednesday to arrange a gathering with Djokovic.