Novak Djokovic storms out of BBC interview after taking on ‘disrespectful’ Wimbledon crowd

Novak Djokovic stormed out of a BBC interview after being pressed over whether he stood by his comments that the Centre Court crowd “disrespected” him.

The seven-time champion admonished the crowd on Monday night following his win over Holger Rune in his post-match interview with Rishi Pershad, feeling that the spectators had been booing him during the match rather than shouting ‘Rune!’

Djokovic then spoke again later in the evening where the Serbian was asked by Sam Harris if he still felt the same way.

After a third question from Harris, Djokovic asked whether he would be asked about his next match against Alex de Minaur.

Harris attempted to defend his line of questioning and eventually switched to a query about the quarter-final before Djokovic then left the interview accompanied by an unknown individual. The interview was broadcast on Tuesday’s BBC Wimbledon coverage.

On Monday evening, Djokovic accused the Centre Court crowd of “crossing the line” and disrespecting him.

The seven-time champion believed he was being jeered as the crowd shouted ‘Rune!’ in a way that the Serb took the chant for boos.

“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 Djokovic.

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

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