'I Don't Mind, I'll Just Keep Winning': Djokovic On Being Booed At Roland Garros

ATP
Saturday, 10 June 2023 at 07:10
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Novak Djokovic has had to deal with crowds for much of his career as his biggest wins came against the crowd that supported his opponents.

The Serbian arrived on the tennis scene as a player who kind of disrupted a really special rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Not many were happy and they let him know it as he had to deal with crowds for much of his career.

It's something that never really changed as he's still widely considered as the ultimate villain in the sport. His losses are celebrated, and celebrations are booed, it's just always something with Djokovic, and most of the time it has very little to do with tennis.

The Serbian was heavily booed also in the semifinal match against the young Spaniard for something that he didn't even do. It's not the first time he's been booed at Roland Garros this year but it's been the first time he was booed for something that had very little to do with him. Carlos Alcaraz was cramping but couldn't take a medical timeout for it, opting to forfeit a game to receive treatment.

It resulted in booes when Djokovic stepped up to serve in the next game. The last time he was asked about being booed Djokovic explained that it was disrespectful from the fans. This time around he simply opted to say that he's used to it and he'll just focus on winning.

I don't mind (smiling). It's not the first; probably not the last. I'll just keep winning
- Djokovic on beeing booed

It's a pretty good tactic because as we know it won't change. We all know it, Djokovic knows it and most people will be cheering for Casper Ruud on Sunday. He might get some boos and then we'll hear John McEnroe defend him, wondering why it happens. It's just how things go with him and fans always supporting the underdog.

2 Comments
leonbueno 14 June 2023 at 21:21+ 20

It's not about fans supporting the underdog. Fans had no problem supporting Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Pete Sampras, or Andre Agassi. Maybe it has more to do with him being Serbian and proud of it. Perhaps it has to do with him not following herd mentality/groupthink/sheep-think and standing his ground for his beliefs.

pam 14 June 2023 at 21:21+ 132

Donkeys braying at greatness. Novak made sure NOT to bagel him. That's compassion. You'd blame anything on him b/c you're a**es, who can't comprehend not only possibly the greatest tennis player but a man who is kind and given his heart to this sport. He tried to give it to the people watching, but most belong at WFW.

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