Novak Djokovic has warned fans are overstepping the mark after riding an emotional rollercoaster to a mind-blowing 67th Grand Slam appearance in week two.
The ten-time Australian Open champion told an incessant heckler to “shut the fuck up, you fucking idiot” during a spirited third-round victory over Tomas Machac on Rod Laver Arena on Friday night.
But he endeared himself to the Australian public when he slapped back a caller who yelled incoherently at the Serbian during the match.
“Sorry mate, I have a wife,” Djokovic joked.
But we can have a drink. Maybe you’ve already tried some?
The moment was mentioned in the post-match interview, when Djokovic was asked: “Should we set a date?”
Ten-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic had a battle with the crowd
He warned that some fans were going too far with their sledding after having a few drinks.
“Listen, I’m happy to have a drink with him now that the match is over, we can reflect very well on what we said to each other during the match,” Djokovic said.
He also berated technology, bounced his racquet in frustration and endured two medical timeouts.
But he finally reached a familiar destination: the fourth round of the Open for the seventeenth time, after defeating the Czech number 26 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 in two colorful hours and 22 minutes.
The super Serbian joins Roger Federer as the second 37-year-old to reach the last 16 of the Open since the tournament moved to Melbourne Park and a 128-man tie in 1988.
But despite the score in straight sets, their passage was not easy at all.
Djokovic called the tournament doctor for an unspecified illness at the start of the second set, then left the court before the third to receive further treatment.
The seventh seed constantly pleaded with the referee to calm the crowd, and was especially upset with one spectator for continually egging him on.
Asked if fans were starting to cross the line, Djokovic said: “Yes, few people here and there.”
There was still plenty of support for the Serbian champion chasing history at the Australian Grand Slam
Djokovic beat Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic to once again reach the second week at Melbourne Park.
‘I understand that you have a few more drinks and then you get into it, but on the pitch it’s frustrating and it comes at a bad time.
‘If it’s repetitive, it happens for an hour, someone in the corner tells you things you don’t want to hear and provokes you constantly, then of course it gets to the point where you just respond.
‘So I tried to tolerate it but at one point I had to respond, and that’s it. That’s all I can say about it.
Djokovic is not the only player to have suffered abuse from the Melbourne Park crowd this week.
Britain’s Jack Draper complained after his epic five-set victory over local hope Thanasi Kokkinakis before American Danielle Collins made a cheeky “kiss my ass” gesture to the partisan crowd after defeating Australian qualifier Destanee Aiava on Thursday night.
‘I loved your response. I loved everything he said on the court, off the court. “After that, I’m a big fan of Danielle Collins,” Djokovic said.
‘I was before but, now, a big fan. I love it.
‘I heard some comments from people saying she shouldn’t have said that or that. I think she handled it very well.
‘I don’t think I would be so polite, and I know exactly the feeling. So I think she was funny, smart, and a big fan of what she did. Big fan.’
Djokovic also questioned the electronic line marking machine on a night of high drama at the Open.
“I’m elated right now,” he said after admitting he was worried mid-match due to his faltering condition and his opponent’s courage.
‘I’m not 19 years old anymore.
“Somehow I managed to turn things around, hold my serve when I needed to and a couple of points really decided that the second set could have gone in their favor.”
“That maybe could have changed the result of the game.
“Overall, I think in the third I felt fresh and moved very well. Overall very satisfied with my game.
“Of course there’s always something, but this is definitely the best game I’ve ever played.”
Djokovic will play another top-seeded Czech on Sunday, Jiri Lehecka, as he continues his quest for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles title.