Ahead of their Davis Cup tie with Denmark, Serbia’s captain, Vickor Troicki, had his say about the treatment of Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open recently.
In regards to the crowd reaction following Djokovic’s unfortunate withdrawal, due to a muscle tear, Troicki spoke with Bolavap.com, and didn’t hold back.
“They were booing him after the injury, which I don’t think happens in any sport. Not even in soccer, where the crowd is normally more wild. When someone gets injured in soccer, even an opponent, they will applaud you and wish you to get better.
That’s why it was surprising to see, especially in a place where he has played his best tennis and has won 10 titles, that he got booed after the injury. It was really disrespectful and disappointing.
They are booing him in the crowd, which was not happening before in Australia. I think they were admiring his results more and greeting the champion with more respect in the past.”
The other unsavoury incident during the tournament, was Channel 9 reporter, Tony Jones mocking the Serbian fans, and Djokovic himself with chants of ‘kick him out’, and ‘he’s overrated’
Troicki believes Jones should no longer play a part in covering the sport anymore.
“There was the situation around channel 9, which I noticed as well. If I had hired that journalist, I would have fired him straight away. He would never work in sports again.
I think they are treating Novak worse and worse. It is surprising and disappointing to see the greatest player of all time experiencing so many bad things happening in Australia again. After Covid and what they did to him a few years ago, it has never been the same.
To mock an athlete during the tournament is unacceptable. I don´t think an apology is enough. I think he should be banned for life from covering tennis.”
Serbia are due to face Denmark this week, with Djokovic not taking part due to his injury. Serbia’s number 2 ranked player Miomir Kecmanovic will likely face a rematch of his Rd.3 Australian Open clash with Holger Rune. It was Rune who got the better of that clash in 5 tough sets after being down 2 sets to 1.
Rune will also be hoping to build on his strong performance in Melbourne, and will be extra motivated to do it in front of his home crowd.
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