Novak Djokovic to Wimbledon Fans: "You Guys Can't Touch Me"

Novak Djokovic went off on Wimbledon fans after his match against Holger Rune.

Novak Djokovic was displeased with Wimbledon fans. / Wimbledon.com

Novak Djokovic easily defeated Holger Rune in the fourth round of Wimbledon on Monday night. The quick match was over in three sets: 6-3, 6-4, 6-2.

Instead of focusing on Rune, Djokovic was concerned with the fans at the All England Club. After the second set, the 24-time Grand Slam champion booed fans back. However, the fans were not technically booing - they were saying "Rune."

Paranoid or not, fragile or not, immature or not, this version of Djokovic is so, so much more authentic and enjoyable than the heart-throwing nonsense of a decade ago.

Glad he’s speaking his truth these last few years.#Wimbledonpic.twitter.com/bB8VGFIhG3

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) July 8, 2024

After the match, Djokovic addressed the fans at Centre Court, "I know they were cheering for Rune but that's an excuse to boo… I know all the tricks."

Djokovic continued, "I've played in much more hostile environments. You guys can't touch me." The viral moment came when Djokovic told fans to have a good night in an exaggerated voice (see the video above for his full remarks).

Members of the Wimbledon Press asked Djokovic if action should be taken against unruly fans. Djokovic said, "I don't know what Wimbledon can really do about it. In those particular moments, when the crowd paid their ticket… They have the right to be there and cheer the way they want to cheer. That's absolutely, you know… How they choose to behave or support the player is really up to them."

Novak Djokovic on calling some people in the crowd disrespectful at Wimbledon, ‘They have the freedom to choose who they back in the match… if someone steps over the line, I react’

“Is it time for Wimbledon to take action against crowd members who are overstepping the line?”… pic.twitter.com/wrc2ywjwVH

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 8, 2024

He conceded that it was part of the sport and concluded his remarks on the issue by adding, "It's fully understandable. They have the freedom to choose who they back in the match. If someone steps over the line, I react. That's basically what it was. After the match, I said what I said."

Djokovic will face Alex de Minaur in the Wimbledon quarterfinals on Wednesday, July 10. Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport.

Further Reading: Taylor Fritz defeated Alexander Zverev in five sets at Wimbledon.