Novak Djokovic booed by entire Wimbledon Centre Court crowd | Tennis | Sport

Novak Djokovic was booed by the entire Wimbledon Centre Court crowd after smashing a ball in frustration. He let rip as the third set slipped away from the Serb, and lashed out when Roman Safiullin launched a ball towards his body and Djokovic ended up losing the point.

The 39-year-old just about moved his body away in time before being hit as Safiullin won the point, and set, breaking Djokovic in the process. Djokovic reacted by picking up a tennis ball and smashing it long after the point ended, causing the crowd to erupt with boos, having turned on their seven-time champion.

BBC commentator Nick Lester explained the incident when Djokovic hit the ball in anger: “This time he [Safiullin] makes it, and Djokovic has let his frustrations out.”

Tim Henman added: “He’s had a warning already.”

John McEnroe then discussed Djokovic’s previous indiscretions, informing the audience: “Got defaulted at the [US] Open when he did that and hit a lineswoman. Almost happened in Australia, he barely missed a ballboy. Safiullin went right at him, that didn’t make him too happy. What’s most displeasing is he dumped serve there.”

Djokovic had taken the first set in a tiebreak, then sailed through the second 6-3, and even though Safiullin called the physio to receive treatment, he snatched the third set.

That troublesome third set, in the baking hot heat after Djokovic requested to play with the sun shining on him, proved frustrating enough for the Serb to break out in frustration.

“I’d love to play outdoor Wimbledon grass court match,” said Djokovic on court after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas. “[I] haven’t had a chance so far, so let’s see.”

Djokovic had previously only played night matches on Centre Court, which despite starting with sun, quickly saw the roof close each time due to lack of light.