Guardian: Novak Djokovic accuses noisy British fans of lack of respect after victory
Novak: “The entire match, pretty much, [they showed] disrespect, but again, that’s something I kind of have to be prepared for,” he said. “In the Davis Cup, it’s normal that sometimes fans step over the line, but in the heat of the moment, you react too, and you, in a way, how can I say, show that you don’t allow this kind of behaviour.”
Guardian: Djokovic tells noisy British fans to shut up after 6-4 6-4 victory
Despite the ease with which Djokovic closed out the tie, it was not without its controversy as he repeatedly duelled with fans. After blowing a kiss to a British fan following the first set, Djokovic criticised a group of British fans who continued to drum during his post-match interview, drowning out his voice: “Learn how to respect players, learn how to respect people, you shut up, you be quiet,” he said.
The Telegraph: Novak Djokovic tells British fans to ‘shut up’ after Davis Cup demolition job
The offending fans were the so-called Barmy Army, linked to Stirling University. They are among the travelling factions whose seats are reserved by the Lawn Tennis Association so the British team can rely on vocal courtside support.
It seems possible that Djokovic may have been looking for something to rile himself up with. He is at the end of an exhausting season in which he won three of the four majors, and the limbs must be feeling heavy. Perhaps this was the equivalent of a batsman barking “What are you looking at?” at a passing fielder when they need to boost their adrenaline levels on an otherwise flat day.
The Telegraph: Novak Djokovic clashes with British fans after leading Serbia to Davis Cup win
Britain captain Leon Smith refused to criticize his side’s backers, saying: “That’s one of the things that’s good about Davis Cup and the team competition that actually you’re kind of meant to make noise. Whether there is a bit that goes over, comments, I could hear a couple – I don’t think it’s that bad. I would hate to see it quietening down, because there’s enough quiet tennis as it is.”
Express UK: Novak Djokovic rages at British fans as ITF boss hits back over criticism
A number of rowdy British fans were heard banging drums and chanting while Djokovic was giving his post-match interview, prompting the Serb to hit back with a brutal put-down as he said: “Learn how to respect players, how to behave yourselves, learn how to respect people, you shut up, you be quiet.”
“I was trying to talk and they were purposely starting to play the drums so that I don’t talk and they were trying to annoy me the entire match.”
Much ado about nothing. This is just a minor dust up compared to the shit that goes on before, during and after Brit football matches. Very tame in comparison.
But they don’t play football under a closed roof. Noises are amplified in an indoor game. To me, comparing team sports and individual sports is like comparing apples with oranges.