Novak Djokovic is up and running for the new season. As he aims for his 25th Grand Slam at the Australian Open, the Serbian is refocusing on the process after a disappointing 2024 season marked by no Grand Slam titles, except for the Olympic Gold. To start with, he secured victory against Australian Rinki Hijikata yesterday in a singles match in the R32 at the Brisbane International. However, just a day later, he, alongside his partner Nick Kyrgios, faced a disappointing loss against Nikola Mektić and Micheal Venus in the doubles match-up. Brisbane authorities are focused on ensuring Djokovic sets records on the court, not off it.
On January 1st 2025, one of the fans took the X handle and posted a picture which shows the security protecting his head with bare hands while quoting “Security at Brisbane Open protecting Novak Djokovic’s head 👀, Where was this at Rome Open…. Federazioni???”.
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Remember last year’s Italian Open?
Well, the Serbian participated at the Italian Open in Italy in May 2024 and started with an emphatic victory over French international Corentin Moutet in two straight sets in R64. Following his victory, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic was signing autographs for fans when he was struck on the head by a falling water bottle. Video footage of the incident, which occurred as he signed a hat and a piece of paper, circulated on social media.
A fan leaning over the rail to have his notebook signed accidentally dropped a water bottle from his backpack, which struck Djokovic on the head. The impact caused Djokovic to fall to the ground, clutching his head. Security personnel quickly intervened, shielding him from the crowd and escorting him off the court. He was then taken to the locker room for medical attention.
A day later, Djoker took his X handle and gave an update about his health condition, quoting he was “fine” and “resting at the hotel with an ice pack”. Alessandro Catapano, the spokesperson of the Italian Tennis Federation, also shared his remark.
“He was upset, but he seems OK. We’re also very upset about what happened and we are trying to figure out who it was and understand the dynamics. The police came and asked for information but the person who did it had already left. We’re going through all of the video and camera angles to see if we can determine what exactly happened,” Catapano said.
Despite the initial shock of the incident, Djokovic displayed his trademark resilience and good humor. Back on court at the Foro Italico for a training session, the 36-year-old took a lighthearted approach to safety, donning a cycling helmet while signing autographs for fans. This unexpected sight delighted the spectators, showcasing Djokovic’s ability to find humor in the situation.
Since the incident, tennis authorities have taken extra care of the players which is shown recently in the Brisbane International.
Unlike the bottle incident that is still fresh in the minds of many, Novak also faced a similar incident, just after the Italian Open, at Wimbledon.
‘You can’t touch me’: Novak being vocal against the fans
Novak faced fan hostility at Wimbledon, particularly during his Round of 16 match against Holger Rune, where he was frequently booed. Despite registering a straight set win over him in 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, what was coming at the post-match conference caught the attention. Brutal!
“To all the fans that have had respect and stayed here tonight, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I appreciate it,” Djokovic said in a withering, on-court tirade. “And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player — in this case me — have a goooooooood night,” he added, mocking his tormentors’ exaggerated “Ruuuuune”.
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He did not stop there despite the clarification from the TV interviewer that the fans were cheering for his opponent. “They were (booing). They were. I am not accepting it. No, no, no. I know they were cheering for Rune but that’s an excuse to also boo.”
“Listen, I have been on the tour for more than 20 years. I know all the tricks, I know how it works. I focus on the respectful people that pay for the ticket, and love tennis and appreciate the players. I have played in much more hostile environments, trust me — you guys can’t touch me,” he further added to conclude the interview.
However, the interview got the attention of seven-time Grand Slam winner and commentator John McEnroe as he shared his view on the BBC.
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“They’re not booing, they’re saying Rune. Djokovic is confused by that. He thinks he’s being booed which he absolutely isn’t. The crowd are just trying to keep the young guy in it.” But Nick Kyrgios was quick to add: “One thing you don’t want to do though is poke the bear,” he added.
As Novak Djokovic surpasses the R32 in the Brisbane International, his next opponent stands the French Gaël Monfils, whom he beat 19 times in his career. Do you think he can surpass the Frenchman at the Brisbane International to reach the QF? Share your thoughts below!