Novak Djokovic says British fans disrespectful during Davis Cup win

MALAGA – Novak Djokovic has accused British fans of disrespect after his Serbia team beat Britain in the Davis Cup quarter-finals in Malaga on Nov 23.

The world No. 1 guided his nation to a 2-0 win by beating Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4 in the second singles, but then told a group of British fans to “learn how to behave” afterwards.

The Serb was enraged because some fans tried to drown out his victory speech with drums, which the superstar said he felt he had to respond to.

“The entire match pretty much there was disrespect, but it’s also something I have to be prepared for in the Davis Cup,” the 36-year-old said.

“It’s normal that fans step over the line and in the heat of the moment you react too, and in a way show that you don’t allow this kind of behaviour.

“They can do whatever they want but I’m going to respond to that.”

During the match, the record 24-time Grand Slam winner was annoyed by the same fans causing a disturbance and cupped his hand to his ear after winning a point in the second set.

However, his temper boiled over when they would not allow him to speak undisturbed after his convincing victory.

“I was trying to talk and they purposely started to play the drums to not let me talk,” he added.

“They were trying to annoy me the entire match, so we had a little bit of a chat in the end.”

Djokovic’s victory puts him on a collision course with Italy’s Jannik Sinner, whom he defeated in the ATP Finals on Nov 19 to clinch his seventh title of the season.

But Sinner beat Djokovic in the group stage of that competition and the pair are set to meet again when Italy face Serbia in the Davis Cup semi-finals on Nov 25.

“Third time in a bit more than a week, it’s gonna be great for tennis fans and for both Italian tennis fans and Serbia, and here also in Malaga,” said Djokovic.

“We’re kind of developing a nice rivalry lately.”

He also said he watched some of Sinner’s singles and doubles victories for Italy in their 2-1 triumph over the Netherlands earlier on Nov 23 and continues to be impressed by the world No. 4.

“He’s really confident and playing, as I said, some of the best tennis that we saw him play ever. I’m not playing bad myself. So it’s going to be, I think, a great match,” Djokovic added.

Following the Davis Cup, the veteran is looking forward to a good rest after a long season in which he won three Grand Slams. But for now his aim is simple – help Serbia win the competition.

“Being there on the court for my country is always extra push, extra motivation,” he said.

“Part of me looks forward to rest and recalibration and leave the racket on the side but right now I cannot allow myself to enjoy those thoughts about holidays.”

Sinner, meanwhile, will not let him have it easy.

The Italian dispatched Tallon Griekspoor 7-6 (7-3), 6-1 to level the tie against the Dutch.

He then combined with Lorenzo Sonego to defeat Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof 6-3, 6-4 as Italy reached the semi-finals for the second year running.

The wildcard entrants last managed back-to-back Davis Cup semi-finals from 1996-98 when they qualified for three consecutively.

“It means a lot to me,” Sinner said of his wins.

“But more importantly we’re through to the semi-finals. It’s the first time I can experience this. We were under a lot of pressure. But it was a huge pleasure for me to play with (Sonego), we have an incredible team.

“It’s amazing, but now we’re focused on Saturday’s semis.”
AFP, REUTERS