Djokovic in furious mid-match blow-up at own entourage
Novak Djokovic has exploded at his coaching staff and wife during his US Open clash with John Millman.
Djokovic managed to take the first set of the quarter-final match 6-3 on Thursday (AEST), but not without an almighty fight from the Aussie.
‘DISRESPECTFUL’: Controversy erupts over McEnroe’s treatment of Millman
The hour-long set in hot and humid conditions seemed to sap some energy from the Serb, and he was left fuming at the start of the second set.
At the change of ends following the opening game, Djokovic didn’t find what he was expecting when he got to his chair.
He screamed in the direction of his entourage, apparently about some tablets, leaving wife Jelena looking confused.
Djokovic had sent a message to his player’s box at the end of the first set, but the message obviously didn’t get through.
The oppressive heat then caused some more confusion at 2-2 in the second when Millman asked Djokovic if he could take an off-court break to change his clothes.
The Aussie was dripping with sweat and told Djokovic that he couldn’t get the ball out of his slippery shorts.
Despite rules dictating that players can only leave the court at the change of sets, Djokovic granted Millman his wish and seemed to be grateful for the breather.
Fans were left gobsmacked by the strange scenes.
This is not the first time Djokovic has talked harshly to his wife.
— Gboye (@mcgboye) September 6, 2018
What is going on in this match, #Milkman leaves the court to chsnge, dropping all over the court, Djokovic chirping at his box, sitting dhirtless, laughing as #Milkman asks for pills from his wife? !#Drama 😂😂 #USOpen
— ULTM8SerenaWilliamsf (@ultm8swfans) September 6, 2018
Strangely-timed wardrobe change request by Millman. Then Djokovic asked a ballboy to go to his coach/wife’s box to ask for something. Few minutes of chaos.
— Carleton English (@carletonenglish) September 6, 2018
The last, like, 10 minutes of this match have been bizarre. Djokovic needs some tablets that his wife brought. Millman just asked for special permission to change out of his sweaty clothes.
— Naila-Jean Meyers (@NailaJeanMeyers) September 6, 2018
This is so odd: Millman granted request to change attire due to humid conditions, Djokovic requesting tablets from wife that, according to him, were left in apartment – all before an actual changeover. #USOpen
— Adesina O. Koiki (@Koiki_Sport) September 6, 2018
Djokovic ends Millman’s fairytale run
Djokovic downed Millman 6-3 6-4 6-4 in a drama-charged war of attrition to end the unseeded Australian’s gallant run and reach his 11th semi-final in New York.
With Millman making headlines in Australia for his stirring fourth-round triumph over Roger Federer, even Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch were on hand on Wednesday night to see what all the fuss was about.
The media moguls weren’t disappointed, passionately cheering Millman on from their front-row seats as the Aussie battler dragged Djokovic out of his comfort zone with some incredible retrieving on another steamy night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Just like Federer two nights earlier against Millman, Djokovic looked in distress as Millman toiled valiantly to turn the match into a physical endurance test.
But the 13-times major winner’s class ultimately told, gaining a decisive break in each set to advance to a last-four meeting on Friday with rejuvenated 2014 runner-up Kei Nishikori.
with agencies