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
-
US Open
Top coach spotted Coco Gauff’s potential very early on
Patrick Mouratoglou has revealed that Coco Gauff left a big impression on him during their first meeting.
-
Tennis News
British star set for rankings breakthrough after a decade on the ATP Tour
Liam Broady set to break into the top 100 of the ATP rankings for the first time.
-
Tennis News
Guadalajara proves a balm for Maria Sakkari’s suffering once again
Maria Sakkari feels that the bond between herself and Guadalajara has grown closer after another deep run in the Mexican city.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic hits raw nerve with tennis chiefs after latest controversial comments
Djokovic has made some radical proposals that would ensure the huge amounts of cash being generated by gambling goes to tennis players.
-
Tennis News
Ben Shelton feels like a fully fledged member of Team America
Ben Shelton has paid homage to the brotherhood of the top American men in the game.
-
Tennis News
Can Cameron Norrie still reach the ATP Tour finals powered by strong Asian swing?
Cameron Norrie is out to reach the ATP Tour finals this term.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova offers her backing to suspended Simona Halep
Martina Navratilova has voiced support for suspended Simona Halep.
-
Tennis News
Maria Sharapova announces her return to the court
Former World No 1 Maria Sharapova has revealed that she will be back on a court in Miami in 2024.
-
Tennis News
WATCH: Roger Federer showcases trademark shot as he returns to the court at the Laver Cup
Roger Federer took to the court to hit some balls ahead of the 2023 Laver Cup, much to the delight of fans of social media.
-
Tennis News
Active French player provisionally suspended pending anti-corruption charges
Maxence Broville has been provisionally suspended from the sport.