Novak Djokovic baffled by French Open booing – ‘I don’t want to make enemies’

Novak Djokovic admits he is at a loss for words over the “disrespect” that is being shown to players at the French Open, saying most of the time he “swallows” the poor behaviour, but “sometimes I oppose that”.
This year’s French Open has been bad-tempered when it comes to those in the stands as several players have been booed, starting with Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk following her defeat to Aryna Sabalenka on day one. The likes of Cameron Norrie, Taylor Fritz and now Djokovic have all come under fire from the spectators in the stands.
Djokovic was loudly booed when he took a medical timeout at the end of the second set against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Friday and the 22-time Grand Slam winner made his frustrations known after the match.
“I don’t want to make enemies, because I’m still in the tournament,” the tennis told Eurosport’s The Cube. “I remain diplomatic. But sometimes I don’t understand.
“I double fault and they boo, I take a medical timeout and they boo. Some people obviously like to do that, but it’s not most of the audience doing it.
“Most of them are there to support me or the other player, to enjoy tennis. But some people love to interfere with the game and disrespect the players. Most of the time I swallow, I don’t react, but sometimes I oppose that because it is disrespectful.”
"They shouldn't boo him because that helps him!"
Mats Wilander on Novak Djokovic celebration. #RolandGarros | @Babsschett pic.twitter.com/AXDjo8MxOX
— Eurosport (@eurosport) June 2, 2023
During the post-match press conference he added that his relationship with the Roland Garros crowd has always been “up and down”.
“They gave me a lot of support in the years when I was losing in finals, the last couple of steps before winning a title. Those years I received quite a lot of support and love and I was very grateful for that. Wonderful memories,” he said.
“I still get support, even today, and I think the majority of people come to enjoy tennis, come to support one player or the other, but there are individuals, groups, whatever who love to boo every single thing you do.”
As for his performance against Davidovich Fokina, Djokovic was far from his best as he initially found himself behind in the first set while he also had to save a set point in the second set.
But all that matters is that his name remains in the main draw with the unseeded Juan Pablo Varillas up next after the Peruvian upset 13th seed Hubert Hurkacz in five sets.
“Of course, a win is a win,” Djokovic said. “Maybe the first two sets were [too long]. If I lost the second set, I’d have probably played for five hours today. But you have to be ready.
“That’s what Slams are all about, best of five. Playing on the slowest surface in sport. It takes a lot of effort but we have to believe in ourselves and try to make the most out of it. I’m proud of the performance.”
READ MORE: Novak Djokovic bemoans long list of injuries after reaching French Open fourth round again
Watch every moment from Roland-Garros LIVE and exclusive ondiscovery+, Eurosport and Eurosport App
Latest
-
Tennis News
Sensational rumours of a tennis breakaway tour emerge but could it become a reality?
There are rumours that Saudi Arabia’s PIF may be considering wider moves in tennis, by launching a breakaway tour.
-
Davis Cup
What Jannik Sinner needs to do to become the next king of tennis after Davis Cup glory
Sinner confirmed he was ready to win the big prizes in the sport right now as he led Italy to their first Davis Cup title for 47 years.
-
WTA Tour
WTA Tour: The 7 under-the-radar talents to watch in 2024
These seven women could be set for breakout seasons in 2024.
-
Davis Cup
Spain to host both Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup Finals
The Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup Finals will be staged in Spain in 2024.
-
News
Incredible prize money revealed for UTS Final in London with one name chasing huge windfall
A massive $500,000 bonus has been made available for players competing at the UTS Final in London in December.
-
Olympics
What Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz need to do to qualify for Paris 2024
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are both in an Olympic pickle.
-
Davis Cup
Jannik Sinner joins three players who have beaten Novak Djokovic after saving match points
By coming back from the brink of defeat, Sinner became only the fourth player to beat Djokovic after fending off a match point.
-
Davis Cup
Jannik Sinner finds an apt phrase to sum up his double Davis Cup victory against Novak Djokovic
Sinner pulled off a sporting miracle as he came back from three match points down to beat Novak Djokovic at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.
-
Davis Cup
Every word from Novak Djokovic’s press conference after his shocking double Davis Cup defeat
Djokovic did not hide his disappointment in his post match press conference.
-
Davis Cup
Novak Djokovic has not choked in a decade so will his Davis Cup meltdown leave a lasting scar?
The words ‘Djokovic’ and ‘choking’ have not set alongside each other too often in the last decade, but they were apt here.