Djokovic's 'petty' mid-match gripe in US Open final
Novak Djokovic has been criticised for stopping play in strange circumstances during the US Open final.
Serving at 3-4 in the second set of Monday’s final against Juan Martin del Potro, Djokovic was irked by the tennis balls and complained to the chair umpire.
OUCH: Serena cops punishment for US Open meltdown
He was apparently not happy that a new ball had found its way into the mix, despite the fact that new balls weren’t due.
Djokovic walked to the chair umpire to complain, before taking up his argument with Del Potro, who didn’t seem to see what the fuss was about.
“That’s a bit petty from Djokovic,” ESPN courtside commentator Darren Cahill said.
Djokovic seemed to be distracted during the second set after taking the first 6-3.
At one stage he blew up at the vocal crowd for making too much noise, putting his finger to his lips to shoosh them before angrily gesticulating.
A bit nervous Novak? #USOpen (GIF @ashishtvslams) pic.twitter.com/KGJMu2kAhs
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) September 9, 2018
Fans weren’t particularly impressed with what they’d seen from him, with one American commentator labelling Djokovic ‘obnoxious’.
Seriously, @DjokerNole? It’s the final of the #USOpen. The roof is closed. Your temper is obnoxious. If you’re a seasoned player, you should be able to handle distractions.
— Chris Gloninger NBC10 Boston (@ChrisGNBCBoston) September 9, 2018
Djokovic beefing with the crowd. This has never happened before.
— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) September 9, 2018
Djokovic already hating the crowd. Will never be loved. Impossible.
— dave whelan (@MrDavidWhelan) September 9, 2018
Djokovic the conductor telling crowd when to shut up and when sound up!! 😂👌🏻🤚✋👋🏻🙌🏻🤛🏻👇🏼
— Daphne Zuniga (@DaphneZuniga) September 9, 2018
Why is #Djokovic complaining so much for the noise? Common @DjokerNole we love you but when you make a point you like the praise and when your opponent makes a point you complain about the noise. Just breathe & play 😀your both great!
— Joyce Giraud (@joycegiraud) September 9, 2018
The year is 2068: Novak Djokovic from his nursing home is still confused about why he will never have crowd support. #usopen pic.twitter.com/svIqYO64kC
— Matthew 🗽 (@MRisingStar18) September 9, 2018
Djokovic fighting the crowd for cheering Del Portro
— Alpha (@Tobiloba_) September 9, 2018
The Serb managed to regain his composure to take the second set in a thrilling tiebreaker.
Djokovic equals ‘idol’ Sampras with 14th grand slam crown
Novak Djokovic has equalled Pete Sampras and edged closer to Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer with his 14th grand slam title.
The Serb was too good for Juan Martin del Potro in the US Open final, prevailing 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 in a thrilling encounter.
The victory is Djokovic’s third at the US Open, and moves him equal-third with Sampras on the male grand slam titles list.
“You’re my idol, I love you,” Djokovic said of Sampras after the match.
Federer (20) and Nadal (17) are the only players with more major titles than Djokovic and Sampras.
