‘I don’t like that’ – Novak Djokovic defies mixed reception after analyst’s crowd condemnation
Two-time Roland Garros finalist Alex Corretja was not happy with the Parisian crowd when Novak Djokovic received a mixed reception as he walked onto court for his fourth round match.
Ahead of taking on Diego Schwartzman, the Court Suzanne-Lenglen crowd both booed and cheered the world number one as he entered the arena.
Despite the less than warm reception, Djokovic was dialled in as he went on to dismantle Schwartzman 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 in under two and a half hours.
Corretja said in immediate response to the boos: “I don’t like that!
“It is Novak Djokovic, he has shown [and] given us so much.
“So just support both, and let’s just enjoy the match!”
Djokovic was ruthless on court but respectful towards Schwartzman in victory.
He seemed to have won over the French fans, while conducting his on-court interview mostly in French appeared to help too.
Djokovic said of Schwartzman, in French: “I have so much respect for him.
“He’s a great person, on and off the court.
“He’s a specialist on this surface, so playing him here is not easy.”
The Serb highlighted his serve as a particular strength today, saying he used it well it at the right times.
And still… @DjokerNole remains undefeated against Diego Schwartzman, downing the 15th seed 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 to reach his 13th straight #RolandGarros quarter-final. pic.twitter.com/A7Nq8JAeLS
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 29, 2022
Interviewer Fabrice Santoro declared that with his fourth straight sets wins so far in Paris, Djokovic is certainly on the right path to the title.
Djokovic agreed, but said he is far from done.
He added: “The work is not finished.”
The victory means that half of the much-anticipated Novak Djokovic vs Rafael Nadal quarter-final has now been set.
Meanwhile, Nadal must overcome young star Felix Auger-Aliassime to confirm that showdown.
(Not) lost in translation ?@DjokerNole x @fabsantoro72 #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/OFB0T5N45m
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 29, 2022
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