Djoko in quarters, gets into it with Wimby fans

REUTERS/Paul Childs

LONDON—Novak Djokovic accused Wimbledon fans of “disrespect” in a withering on-court tirade after reaching a 60th Grand Slam quarterfinal and 15th at All England Club on Monday.

Djokovic, the world No. 2 and seven-time champion here chasing a record-setting 25th major, defeated 15th-ranked Holger Rune, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.

He then launched an angry outburst at a section of Centre Court fans who constantly chanted “Rune” throughout the match and which the Serb took to be booing.

Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 8, 2024 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning his fourth round match against Denmark’s Holger Rune REUTERS/Isabel Infantes

“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,” said an angry Djokovic.

“And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player—in this case me—have a goooooooood night,” he added, mocking his tormentors’ exaggerated “Ruuuuune.”

AFP

AFP is one of the world's three major news agencies, and the only European one. Its mission is to provide rapid, comprehensive, impartial and verified coverage of the news and issues that shape our daily lives.