Novak Djokovic is booed by fans for surprising post-match act as he reaches the Australian Open quarter-finals for the 15th time in his career
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A smattering of boos rang out around the Rod Laver Arena on Sunday afternoon, after Novak Djokovic appeared to snub a post-match interview following his straight-sets victory against Jiri Lehecka. During the tournament, players will normally stay on the court to conduct a post-match interview with broadcasters and reflect on the match.
But tonight, the 24-time Grand Slam winner grabbed the microphone and gave a brief thanks to fans inside the stadium, before marching over to the tunnel. Djokovic, who had claimed a 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-4) victory against Lehecka, did however stay to sign a few autographs with members of the crowd for a brief period, before making his way down the tunnel.
'Thank you very much for being here tonight,' he said over the microphone. 'I appreciate your presence and the support and I'll see you next round. Thank you very much,' he added, before making a beeline for the tunnel. It is not clear what sparked the moment from the 10-time Australian Open champion.
He was later seen backstage talking to tournament director Craig Tiley and cut a frustrated figure, waving his hands as he spoke. At times during the match 37-year-old appeared to become incensed by sections of the audience who had shouted and attempted to throw Djokovic off his game.
Some had also called out while he was serving, with the Serbian seen sighing before shaking his head. Novak Djokovic did not do a post-match interview after his win at Australian Open. He gave a quick statement, signed some autographs, and was booed by some of the crowd as he left. pic.twitter.com/6kOG5LYCLP.
