Novak Djokovic responds to unprovoked Paris Masters crowd booing him
Novak Djokovic says he will 'keep going' after US Open win
Novak Djokovic has hit out at the Paris Masters crowd after he was booed during his last 16 showdown with Tallon Griekspoor on Thursday night. The Serbian came back from a set down to win the match 4-6 7-6 6-4.
Djokovic was out of sorts during the early stages of the contest and fell behind after being outplayed by his Dutch opponent. But the 36-year-old improved after calling a doctor onto court and battled through a second set tiebreak before closing the match out in the decider.
Djokovic was booed by some fans before winning the final eight points of the match to see his opponent off. And after the encounter, the blockbuster star said: “When I asked the audience to boo at me a little more, I won eight points in a row.
“But I didn’t do anything to provoke the audience, that’s how it is. Is the Parisian crowd special? That’s a good word, they are special – very special.”
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Read more… Djokovic calls doctor in Paris after losing set in uncharacteristic display
Djokovic has been in scintillating form this year and got his hands on a record-extending 24th Grand Slam trophy in September when he won the US Open. The veteran had already tasted success at the Australian Open and French Open as well as reaching the final of Wimbledon. But he hasn’t played since helping Serbia defeat Spain in September as his country booked their place in the Davis Cup Final 8.
After his victory over Griekspoor, Djokovic revealed he was struggling with a stomach issue. But the ace was quick to pay tribute to the world No 23. “I don’t want to take anything away from his performance,” he added. “He didn’t drop the level.
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“Maybe in the third set a few games he did a bit, but he was playing at a very high level and credit to him for that performance. If he would be the winner tonight, it would be absolutely deserved.
“I started off well but I ran out of steam. I’ve been struggling the last couple of days with my stomach and I just didn’t feel myself at all. I was just trying to hold my serve and get to a tiebreak, which happened in the second. I got lucky on a couple of shots there. It could have easily gone his way, but overall I played a good tiebreak and I started to feel better in the third. I’m really, really glad to overcome this challenge.”
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