Rafael Nadal blasts ‘disrespectful’ Serbian support after ATP Cup final defeat to Novak Djokovic
Rafael Nadal took aim at the partisan Serbian support after Spain’s ATP Cup final defeat, branding them ‘disrespectful.’
Nadal lost his singles tie to Novak Djokovic before Serbia won the deciding doubles match.
However, the world number one was visibly agitated on court in the face of some very vocal support for Djokovic and his compatriots.
“Honestly, the crowd was fantastic every single day but sometimes people from some countries, they probably don’t understand how the tennis goes,” Nadal told reporters afterwards.
“They think it’s about football or this stuff and atmosphere in tennis is different, no?
“The respect for the players should be there, and at some point I think the respect with small part of the crowd have been not there.”
Djokovic, understandably disagreed, describing the support from the Serbia support as “off the charts”.
RELATED: ‘I’ll remember this for the rest of my life,’ says Novak Djokovic after Serbia win ATP Cup
“I have never experienced such a support in my matches ever anywhere, and I have played the biggest stadiums in tennis, and this was something different,” he added
“I’ll remember this experience for the rest of my life.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Tennis NewsAndy Murray preparing for a return to the ATP Tour in France
Murray has accepted a wildcard to play another tournament in France.
-
Tennis NewsRemarkable statistics confirm Daniil Medvedev is the new king of hard courts
Daniil Medvedev can now be hailed as the new king of hard courts.
-
Kevin PalmerExclusive – Myleene Klass believes Emma Raducanu can inspire a generation
Myleene Klass has revealed Emma Raducanu has inspired her daughters to reach for the stars after her stunning win at the US Open.
-
US OpenDominic Thiem on Emma Raducanu’s US Open win: ‘It’s one of the greatest achievements in women’s sport’
“Perhaps it is the greatest breakthrough of all time,” says Dominic Thiem.
-
US Open‘Unfair that Novak Djokovic is always the bad guy and Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are the good guys’
“I hope he is treated a little more fairly,” says Boris Becker.
-
Tennis NewsVenus Williams explains backstory behind photo with Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova at Met Gala
Just Venus, Serena and Maria enjoying a laugh in the bathroom at the Met Gala.
-
News‘I think it’s gradually sinking in a bit more,’ says Emma Raducanu after ‘whirlwind experience’
The teenager took part in a round of breakfast TV and radio interviews.
-
WTA Tour‘People are talking about tennis again,’ revels Boris Becker after ‘Dame Emma Raducanu’s’ heroics
Boris Becker waxes lyrical about Emma Raducanu.
-
Tennis NewsTennis to introduce ‘Stefanos Tsitsipas bathroom break rule’ following Greek’s lengthy loo visits?
Stricter rules on the cards following furore over Stefanos Tsitsipas’ loo breaks.
-
Tennis NewsLTA chief insists Emma Raducanu will not lose focus after stunning rise to the top
Lloyd has called for the newly-crowned US Open champion to be given “breathing space”.