In a heated exchange after the Davis Cup quarter-finals, Novak Djokovic told British fans to “shut up” when they attempted to drown out his interview with musical instruments. Britain lost the tie 2-0 after Cameron Norrie was unable to defeat the world number one, Djokovic. Djokovic stated that “You should learn how to show some respect,” and celebrated his victory in the first set by blowing a kiss to a British supporter who heckled him.
Jack Draper was defeated 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (8-6) by Miomir Kecmanovic in the opening match of the best-of-three tie. This meant that Norrie had to beat 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic for the first time in his career. Djokovic cruised to a 6-4 6-4 victory, setting Serbia up for a semi-final against Italy on Saturday.
Djokovic explained that it is normal that fans often cross the line but that he will respond to that. Britain, who last won the Davis Cup in 2015, will not automatically qualify for the 2024 knockout stage after their quarter-final defeat in Malaga. Unless they receive a wildcard for the Final Eight, Leon Smith’s team will have to negotiate the same path as this year – a qualifying tie early next year, followed by the round-robin stage.
Despite being in the twilight of his career, 36-year-old Djokovic appears to be going from strength to strength. Djokovic has won the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open titles this year and has only been defeated at a major once, by Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final. On Sunday, he capped off the tour season with a record seventh title win at the ATP Finals in Turin. He is now hoping to add the Davis Cup to his impressive list of wins this year
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