THE DJOKER BITES BACK
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It appears some might have forgotten who Novak Djokovic is.
Racing to a straight-set win against Holger Rune, the Serbian machine let everybody inside Centre Court know exactly how he felt about the “disrespect” he faced throughout his round of 16 canter. Many suggested Novak had simply misheard the drone of support for his opponent. That a simple ‘Ruuuuuune’ chant had been interpreted as a ‘Boooooo’ and, in turn, a verbal attack on himself as a competitor.
The thing is, unless you are a stalwart fan of the 7-time Wimbledon champ, you probably wouldn’t like Djokovic when he’s angry. Whether the accused jeers of last night were true or not, many great players will find an edge to lift themselves towards a higher level of performance. If it’s to be a me against the world mentality, then the man who has a Lacoste crocodile emblazoned on his all-whites won’t just snap back. He’ll tear you to shreds.
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This a man who, a mere month ago, went under the knife to repair a torn meniscus as injury forced his hand at the French Open. Sporting a grey support on his right knee, the seemingly indestructible Djokovic has recovered in near supernatural time. A rehabilitation period of such astounding proportions should, without doubt, be our driving storyline. Yet, it is not.
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Little more was said. A fleeting comment about looking forward to his next match was all we got. Novak then made the decision he was finished, dispatching the interview in a similar fashion to that of Rune only an hour or so earlier. Social media was abuzz, laying down the charges of petulance and dander. It seems however, that Djokovic is more than okay with being painted as the bad guy.
However, beyond the player is the family man. Many thought he was baiting the audience himself, after mimicking a violin while closing out his victory. Dig a little deeper and you will find the story behind it. Novak’s daughter Tara, 6, has just started music lessons.
Much like the skills needed to become a top tier violinist, an entwinement of substance and style saw Djokovic conduct his business with expedient ease. The concerto continues on unaffected as detractors are left with little option but to display an animus scowl.
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Next up, Alex de Minaur…or not. Citing a hip injury sustained during the final few points of his Monday victory, the Australian has been left with no option but to withdraw for this year’s competition:
“It’s devastating, I haven’t really been able to enjoy what I’ve achieved this week because I knew once I felt that pop, I knew something bad had happened,”
Without a quarter final opponent to hone his skills against, Djokovic kept himself busy by engaging in some high intensity interval training. Admittedly, the location was rather odd. Anybody for hill sprints in car park 4 of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club?
I thought not.
If that’s what makes a 24-time Grand Slam winner tick, then I fear it might be a tough order to match his tally.
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So what of the crowd reaction when these two step out onto Centre Court in a few days? I guess only time will tell, but if the first syllable of Mussetti’s name is bellowed in unison, it has the potential to reverberate around the hallowed stadia at significant volume. Based on prior events, it might be a sound Djokovic doesn’t exactly care for. And if so, it’s likely that two iconic words will be verbalised by the chair umpire:
“Quiet, please.”
Here’s two more for you.
Good luck.