Novak Djokovic left raging on court and demands ‘drunk’ fan at Australian Open be kicked out during Enzo Couacaud clash
NOVAK DJOKOVIC angrily demanded a fan be kicked out during his Australian Open second round clash.
The Serb is back in Melbourne 12 months on from his deportation from Australia.
ReutersNovak Djokovic furiously asked Fergus Murphy to eject the hecklers[/caption]
ReutersThis group of fans were ejected from Rod Laver Arena[/caption]
He has generally received a warm reception, both from crowds in Brisbane a fortnight ago and now Melbourne.
But the 35-year-old was left furious with one ticket holder in particular while battling world No191 Enzo Couacaud on Rod Laver Arena.
When he couldn’t take any more heckling, Djokovic confronted umpire Fergus Murphy, demanding they be removed from the premises.
He said: “The guy’s drunk out of his mind. From the first point he’s been provoking. He just wants to get in my head.
“So I’m asking you, what are you going to do about it?
“You heard him at least ten times, I heard him 50 times. What are you going to do?
“Why don’t you get security to get him out of the stadium?”
As Djokovic grumbled to Murphy, the majority of the partisan crowd began passionately chanting his name.
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ReutersThe hecklers were removed by security[/caption]
ReutersDjokovic, 35, was irritated by a fan in Melbourne[/caption]
The 21-time Grand Slam champion would eventually get his way, with a group of four men wearing “Where’s Wally” outfits subsequently escorted out of the stadium.
As they were ejected from Rod Laver Arena, one fan blew a kiss at Djokovic.
At the time of the incident, the nine-time Aussie Open champion led Couacaud 6-1, 6-7, 6-2, 2-0.
Despite having suffered an injury scare earlier in the match, Djokovic didn’t drop another game from that point onwards to book his place in round three.
Next up he will take on former world No3 Grigor Dimitrov.
Night sessions can be electric in both a positive and negative way
Novak Djokovic
After the match, Djokovic told Eurosport: “I wanted to get through in three (sets) but credit to him for playing some really good tennis towards the end of the second.
“Yeah, some really interesting circumstances that you have to deal with but I guess that’s a Grand Slam, night sessions can be electric in both a positive and negative way for a player on the court.
“You just have to accept it and get the most out of it.”
Asked about his hamstring he said: “To be honest, it’s not good at all.
“But look, I’ll take it day to day. It was better last match than tonight, that’s all I can say.
“It’s up to God to help me and the physio and everyone. Let’s take it day by day.”
The incident has drawn comparisons with Nick Kyrgios’ complaints against a fan during the Wimbledon final, against Djokovic, last year.
Kyrgios, 27, accused a member of the Centre Court crowd of having had “700 drinks”.
AlamyDjokovic made it through to face Grigor Dimitrov[/caption]
AFPDjokovic shakes Enzo Couacaud’s hand after beating him four sets[/caption]
