Novak Djokovic tells British fans to’shut up’ and show’respect’

Novak Djokovic told British fans to “shut up” and show “respect” after Serbia defeated the United Kingdom in the Davis Cup quarter-finals in Malaga on Thursday night.

During the match, the British team was cheered on by a raucous 5,000-strong crowd, and the World No. 1 reacted to winning the first set against Cameron Norrie by cupping his ear and blowing kisses to the British fans in the stands.

Djokovic, who was irritated by fans making noise between his first and second serves, appeared to snap after sealing the 6-4 6-4 victory over Norrie when the same fans began drumming during his on-court interview.

“Learn how to respect players, learn how to behave yourself,” Djokovic said to the crowd, before adding, “no, you shut up, you be quiet.”

The 24-time grand slam champion described the atmosphere as “normal” for a Davis Cup tie, but claimed that some fans went too far by bothering him during the match.

“You react too in the heat of the moment, and you show that you don’t allow this kind of behavior,” Djokovic said afterwards.

“They are free to do whatever they want, but I will respond.” I was trying to talk, and they were purposefully starting to play the drums so I wouldn’t be able to, and they were attempting to annoy me throughout the match. So we ended up having a little chat.”

Leon Smith, the Great Britain captain, did not criticize the team’s fans, instead calling the atmosphere they created “one of the good things about the Davis Cup.” Serbia was also backed by a sizable continent at Malaga’s sold-out stadium.

“Whether there is a bit that goes over, comments, I could hear a couple – I don’t think it’s that bad,” he said. “I would hate to see it quietening down, because there’s enough quiet tennis as it is.”

On the court, Britain was eliminated from the team competition after Djokovic’s win over Norrie was combined with Jack Draper’s loss to Miomir Kecmanovic in the first rubber.

Meanwhile, Serbia advanced to the semi-finals, where they will face Italy, with Djokovic attempting to lead the country to its first Davis Cup title since 2010.

Since losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final four months ago, Djokovic has won every tournament he has entered.