Novak Djokovic on booing at US Open: ‘I’m not being offended or mistreated’

US Open
Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic has played down the booing from spectators inside Arthur Ashe Stadium after he retired from his US Open clash against Stan Wawrinka.

World No 1 Djokovic’s US Open title defence came to an abrupt halt in the fourth round as he retired due to a shoulder injury in the third set.

Wawrinka was leading 6-4, 7-5, 2-1 when the 16-time Grand Slam champion threw in the towel, but it did not go down well with the crowd.

Asked after the match about the booing, Djokovic said: “I’m not being offended or mistreated by anybody. I don’t really pay too much attention on that.

“I like to respect others. I hope that others can respect me and my decision. I’m sorry for the crowd. Obviously they came to see a full match, and just wasn’t to be. That’s all it is.

“I mean, a lot of people didn’t know what’s happening, so you cannot blame them. It is what it is.”

Three-time Grand Slam winner Wawrinka, who will face Daniil Medvedev for a place in the semi-final, was unimpressed.

“Always surprised when you play the No. 1 and you hear the fans booing him when he had to retire, that’s for sure. Again, he’s a good friend. I know him really well,” he said.

“He’s an amazing champion, and if he has to retire, it’s not the best for a tennis player to have to leave the court like that.”

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Novak Djokovic Stan Wawrinka

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