Time to ‘grow up’ and show Novak Djokovic respect after ugly Wimbledon booing storm

Novak Djokovic keeps cementing himself as a legend of tennis and one act towards the 24 grand slam-winning star at Wimbledon is a disgrace.

Novak Djokovic deserves our respect.

COMMENT

Novak Djokovic keeps cementing himself as a legend of tennis.

The booing of the record 24 grand slam-winning Serbian at Wimbledon is a disgrace.

His response was perfect.

“To all the fans that have had respect and stayed here tonight, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I appreciate it,” Djokovic said post beating Holger Rune.

“And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player – in this case me – have a goooooooood night.”

He quickly and calmly eviscerated the crowd, as well he should. They gave it to him and he gave it straight back.

“I know they were cheering for Rune but that’s (not) an excuse to also boo,” he said.

“Listen, I have been on the tour for more than 20 years. I know all the tricks. I focus on the respectful people that pay for the ticket, and love tennis and appreciate the players.

Novak Djokovic fires up at the crowd on Centre Court on day eight of The Championships Wimbledon 2024. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

“I have played in much more hostile environments, trust me – you guys can’t touch me.”

This is a tennis player who has dedicated his entire life to the game and done it more successfully than any man who has come before him.

He has done it not only with skill but with principle.

Remember the farce of allowing him to enter the country for the 2022 Australian Open, then revoking his visa and deporting him for not having received a Covid vaccination.

He remained dignified throughout and exacted his revenge by winning the tournament the following year.

Serbia's tennis player Novak Djokovic (R) and his wife Jelena Djokovic do great charity work. (Photo by AFP)

This is a man who, through his foundation, has built more than 50 schools in Serbia.

He regularly holds charity matches in the lead up to the Australian Open.

And after giving so much to the game and the world at large, petulant spectators at the All England Club have decided to repay him with disrespect.

Djokovic decided, for once, not to play Mr Nice Guy – and good on him.

He deserves respect, not abuse, and is right to point that out.

It happened again in Italian Lorenzo Musetti’s post-match interview this week, where he was asked about having to face Djokovic.

The mere mention of his name elicited boos from the crowd.

Musetti respectfully batted it away and described Djokovic as a legend.

If on-court opponents can have such regard and respect for each other, why can’t the crowd manage it?

Booing politicians is one thing, as happened to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Australian Open – but abusing those who put on the game you have come to watch is another.

We’re not talking about the rough and tumble of footy here.

Tennis is meant to be a quiet sport and events such as Wimbledon steeped in history and tradition.

Booing one of the greatest players of all time feels a bit more like an arvo on the cans at Shark Park, not one of the most prestigious sporting events at the best lawn tennis club in the world.

Grow up and show this legend the respect he deserves.

No doubt the crowd will boo him again tomorrow when he plays against Musetti on Saturday morning (AEST).

And I hope he gives it back three-fold.

Originally published as Time to ‘grow up’ and show Novak Djokovic respect after ugly Wimbledon booing storm