- Nick Kyrgios has defended Novak Djokovic
- Djokovic launched a tirade against the centre court crowd
- Australian star Kyrgios said he was “delighted” by Djokovic’s comments
Nick Kyrgios has backed his close friend Novak Djokovic following the tennis star’s altercation with the Wimbledon crowd on Monday night.
Seven-time champion Djokovic, 37, opted to steer clear of the polished post-match interviews fans have grown accustomed to hearing following his fourth-round win over Holger Rune, aiming his spite at the Centre Court crowd.
The Serb expressed disappointment at what he perceived as booing from some spectators, although it appeared the crowd was simply chanting “Ruuuuune!” at his opponent.
“To all the fans who have been respectful and stayed here tonight, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I appreciate it,” he began. “And to all those people who have chosen to disrespect the player, in this case me, have a gooooood night.”
His BBC interviewer, Rishi Persad, said, rather bemused: “I hope they were just commenting on Rune and weren’t disrespecting you.”
Djokovic, who has a history of facing crowds, was having none of it. “They did it. They were disrespecting me,” he insisted. “I don’t accept it. No, no, no. I know they were cheering for Rune, but that’s an excuse to boo as well.”
‘Listen, I’ve been on the circuit for over 20 years. I know all the tricks. I focus on respectful people who pay the entrance fee, who love tennis and appreciate the players. I’ve played in much more hostile environments, believe me, you guys can’t touch me.’
Nick Kyrgios, also known for his on-court meltdowns, told BBC Sport afterwards: “There wasn’t (booing) but I think crowds around the world need to understand that Novak doesn’t need a bigger reason to play better.”
Nick Kyrgios has defended Novak Djokovic following his speech on Monday night
Djokovic attacked the Centre Court crowd after his clash with Holger Rune
‘He’s a motivated player, one of the best in the world and I’ve seen it time and time again, the crowd tries to heckle him and that’s not what you want to do against Novak.
“He loves it. I try not to bother the bear when I play with him… and that’s very difficult for me. Obviously, it cost me my Wimbledon final.
“He doesn’t need a bigger reason to go out and prove to someone that he’s the best of all time.”
He later took to Twitter, now known as X, to defend his friend Djokovic. Responding to a fan who suggested the Serb’s speech was “influenced by Kyrgios”, the Australian said: “Maybe. I love it.”
In his post-match press conference, Djokovic stood by his statement.
“When I feel the crowd is overstepping the line, I react,” he said. “I don’t regret my words or my actions on the court.”
He also tweeted a photo after the game showing himself stretching for a ball across the court, with the caption: “Sliding into the quarters. Goodnight.”
And tennis fans have seemingly backed the Serb, branding the SW19 crowd’s behaviour “despicable”.
“Some members of the crowd were despicable,” one fan posted on X.
Another said: “Elite mentality. I’d love to see him win this year.”
“He has a right to speak his truth,” reasoned a third fan. “He has that right. And whoever gets offended, gets offended. He wasn’t rude or vulgar.
“In this case, it is he who is on the pitch and who has personally experienced two decades of hostility. A huge respect for being true to himself.”
A fourth fan added: “He’s 100% fine. He handled it like a champ, and why shouldn’t a GOAT mention it?”
‘On-court interviews are full of polished PR lines; I appreciate a real chat much more.’