The 10-time champion at Melbourne Park stormed through the first two sets before the Czech star raised his level in the third set. The fans were also keen to see more Tennis and, as it grew later into the evening, some even tried to throw Djokovic off his game.
The umpire had to tell the crowd off when some started yelling out when Djokovic was serving as the 37-year-old shook his head in disbelief. He eventually got the job done 6-3 6-4 7-6(4).
Afterwards, the seventh seed refused to complete his usual on-court interview with Jim Courier. He joined Courier in the centre of the court and could be seen chatting with the player-turned-pundit before grabbing the microphone himself.
“Thank you very much for being here tonight, I appreciate your presence and support and I will see you in the next round,” Djokovic told the fans before walking off with his bags on his back as a few boos rang out.
The 24-time Major winner did stay behind to sign some fans’ memorabilia before completing a post-match TV interview with Barbara Schett for Eurosport, though he wasn’t asked why he refused to speak properly on the court.
Courier and Schett then appeared on Eurosport together and the American jokingly explained why he thought Djokovic didn’t want to chat with him on Rod Laver Arena.
“It’s a very simple thing, he’s been watching my interviews here the last couple of days, he’s like, ‘Look, I’ve got to get to the pro. I’m skipping you, I’m going to Babsi [Schett]’,” Courier laughed.
-“He just went straight to Babsi because he knows he needs to go where the good stuff is. Maybe we’ll learn more in his press conference.”
Cameras showed Djokovic walking through the tunnels underneath Rod Laver Arena before meeting tournament director Craig Tiley for a chat.
The world No. 7 had previously thrown his support behind Danielle Collins when she taunted the centre court crowd after some cheered her mistakes when she beat Aussie qualifier Destanee Aiava in the second round.
The American gestured to kiss her bottom and reminded the crowd that they were helping her get a “fat pay cheque”, later adding: “They’re paying my bills.”
It’s no surprise Djokovic found his own way to get back at the disruptive fans on Sunday as he “loved” what Collins did. After seeing her reaction, he said: “I loved her response. I loved it, everything she said on the court, off the court. Big fan of Danielle Collins after that. I was before, but now, big fan.”
Morocco
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