Thursday, September 19, 2024

‘Get him’ – Novak Djokovic demands fan is removed during Jacob Fearnley clash

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Novak Djokovic demanded a fan be removed from centre court during his second round victory on Thursday.

The Serbian was facing British wildcard Jacob Fearnley and cruised into a two-set advantage.

Novak Djokovic wasn’t happy with one spectator and demanded they were removed from centre courtCredit: BBC Sport

However, a disturbance in the crowd riled the world number two after he dropped the third set.

After winning the third set, Fearnley could be seen looking behind him into the stand with reports suggesting security had been speaking to two individuals.

Djokovic was then heard talking to security, telling them: “It’s him. That guy. Get him.

“That guy there, the grey tracksuit just going down the stairs now.”

Djokovic’s comments suggested the spectator was already on his way out of the court, and it was unclear whether they were allowed back in.

The 24-time grand slam winner could then be heard talking to the umpire, saying: “Why’s he not out?”

This led to commentator John Lloyd to tell television viewers: “I wondered if it was someone maybe talking too much, I don’t know what it was there.”

Despite the disturbance, Djokovic bounced back from dropping the third set to claim the fourth 7-5 and secure his spot in the third round.

Djokovic was full of praise for Fearnley after their three-hour thrillerCredit: AFP

However Fearnley’s performance attracted a huge ovation on centre court as the pair played out a thrilling three-hour contest.

“All in all this match potentially deserved to go into a fifth, particularly with the way he played in the fourth,” Djokovic, who had surgery on his knee and sported heavy strapping during the game, said afterwards. “But I’m very glad it didn’t.”

“I hadn’t had a chance to see him play until two days ago, there is always an element of surprise and nothing for him to lose.

Fearnley only finished his university studies in the United States in May and six weeks later found himself on centre court trying to beat a man who will be remembered as one of the best to ever play tennis.

The world number 277 showcased his talent and caused serious problems for Djokovic, who has won Wimbledon seven times.

And he was two points away from taking the match into a deciding set. Djokovic will now play Australian world number 46 Alexei Popyrin next.

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