Novak Djokovic blasts ‘disrespectful’ boos from French Open crowd during third-round victory as controversy continues to follow world No. 3 at Roland Garros
- Novak Djokovic faced mockery from Court Philippe Chatrier fans on Friday
- The world number 3 has faced backlash following anti-Kosovo comments this week
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Novak Djokovic seemed irritated by the boos of the French Open spectators during his victory over Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
Djokovic took on a formidable challenge from Davidovich Fokina to reach the fourth round of the French Open for a 14th consecutive year with a 7-6(4) 7-6(5) 6-2 win.
Throughout the three hour and 36 minute match, the Roland Garros crowd at Court Philippe Chatrier jeered and booed the Serb for no apparent reason.
After the longest three-set Grand Slam match of his career, Djokovic appeared unhappy with the crowd’s reaction but shrugged it off.
“The majority of people come to enjoy the tennis or to support one or the other player,” Djokovic said after his match, according to ESPN.
Novak Djokovic seemed irritated by boos from French Open spectators
The crowd laughed at the Serb during his straight-set win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
He beat Spanaird 7-6(4) 7-6(5) 6-2 victory in a contest lasting three hours and 36 minutes
“But these are individuals. There are people – there are bands or whatever – who like to boo every thing you do. It’s something that I find disrespectful and frankly I don’t understand that.
“But it is their right. They paid for the ticket. They can do whatever they want.
After coming two points from losing the second set, trailing 5-4 in that tiebreaker, Djokovic snatched the next three points and jumped at the chance to take the second set from Davidovich Fokina.
Djokovic let out his emotions, roaring and pumping his fist, which didn’t endear him to the French crowd who let out an unfriendly noise.
The world number 3’s French Open campaign has already been mired in controversy as he seeks to become the most successful men’s player in the sport’s history over the next fortnight, currently tied with the titan of Roland Garros Rafael Nadal.
Djokovic scribbled on camera that ‘Kosovo is the heart of Serbia’ after his game on Monday. It was a nod to how his native Serbia never officially accepted Kosovo’s declaration of independence in 2008, despite being recognized by 100 countries and the ITF.
The world No. 3 called the booking ‘disrespectful’ in his post-match press conference
His punch did not endear him to the French crowd who let out a hostile noise
Djokovic’s message read “Kosovo is the heart of Serbia!” Stop the violence’ earlier in the week
His actions earned him a warning from the French sports minister that his nationalist and anti-Kosovo message was ‘not appropriate’ and the Serb was told to ‘no longer get involved’ in politics at Roland Garros.
French Minister Amélie Oudea-Castera told French television: “This message is very militant, very political. You shouldn’t get involved, especially in the current circumstances, and it shouldn’t happen again.
Oudea-Castera, a former tennis player herself, also said Roland Garros chief Amélie Mauresmo spoke to the 22-time Grand Slam winner and his team to stress the principle of political neutrality on the circuit.
Kosovo Olympic Committee chief Ismet Krasniqi said Djokovic had “promoted nationalist propaganda and used his sports platform to do so”. He added: “The statements made without any remorse have directly led to an increase in the level of tension and violence between nations.”
