New Novak Djokovic conspiracy theories floated as he hits out at ‘disrespect’

Kevin Palmer
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic was caught up in fresh controversy at the French Open, as he lashed out at fans who abused him during his compelling win against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

The Serbian’s 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-5), 6-2 victory took three hours and 36 minutes, with Djokovic twice a break down in the first set and forced to save a set point in the second.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion looked unsettled in windy conditions, while he called the trainer before the third set to have his left thigh massaged.

Yet his biggest gripe was with the French Open fans, as he made a rare move to speak out against the “disrespect” that flowed in his direction in the match against Davidovich Fokina.

Djokovic has faced hostile crowds around the world over the course of his decorated career, as he has often been jeered by spectators in his iconic battles against great rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

The Serbian has tended to avoid getting involved in a war of words with booing spectators, but he didn’t hold back after his latest negative experience at Roland Garros.

“I think the majority of the people come to enjoy tennis or support one or the other player. But there are people that love to boo every single thing you do,” he said after his win against the Spaniard.

“That’s something that I find disrespectful and I frankly don’t understand that, but it’s their right. They paid for the ticket. They can do whatever they want.

“Actually 99% of the time I will stay quiet. Sometimes I will oppose that, because I feel when somebody is disrespectful, he or she deserves to have an answer to that.”

Djokovic often insisted he is not affected by negative reactions from spectators, with many observers suggesting the negativity inspires him to defy his doubters.

Yet it is clear that Djokovic feels he deserves more respect after a glorious career that secured him a place among the game’s all-time greats long ago.

The long lost of controversies Djokovic has been involved with over the course of his career appear to have impacted the opinion of some spectators, with his disqualification from the 2020 US Open after he hit a line judged backed up by his contentious stance over the Covid vaccine.

Djokovic has paid a heavy price on and off the court for his decisions, but he has always insisted he is happy to accept the consequences for his actions.

Meanwhile, the debate over the metal disc that has been seen on Djokovic’s check at the French Open has continued to spawn conspiracy theories.

Djokovic has been seen wearing a disc strapped on his chest with sticking tape, which has been the subject of much discussion in Paris.

“When I was a kid I liked Iron Man so I try to imitate him,” said Djokovic when asked about the disc.

“My team uses nanotechnology to help me perform at my best on the court. This is the big secret of my career, otherwise I wouldn’t be here.”

Djokovic’s comments have created a big stir, with social media users questioning whether his aid needs to be investigated by tennis authorities.

It appears the device is a Taopatch, which is a patented wearable nanotechnology device that combines acupuncture with light therapy.

Djokovic has spoken about his eagerness to embrace new technologies and it seems this new device is part of his armoury in Paris as he continues to battle injuries heading into the second week of the tournament.

“We don’t have much time to start to name the many injuries I have, and the list is quite long,” he said after beating Davidovich Fokina.

“I still kept on playing. These are the circumstances that you, as a professional athlete, have to deal with. Accept it.

“Sometimes you need help from a physio during the match. Sometimes you need pills. Sometimes you need help from the god or angels, or whoever.

“The reality for me nowadays is that my body is responding differently than it did a few years ago. I managed to finish the match.”

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