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'Makes no sense': Novak Djokovic in ugly scenes at French Open

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·4-min read
Novak Djokovic, pictured here in the first round of the French Open.
Novak Djokovic was booed by the French Open crowd in ugly scenes. Image: AAP

Novak Djokovic has been relentlessly booed by the French Open crowd in his first match at grand slam level since being deported from Australia in January.

The World No.1 was far too good for Yoshihito Nishioka on Monday, cruising into the second round with a 6-3 6-1 6-0 victory.

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However Djokovic didn't have things all his way throughout the match and was loudly booed by sections of the crowd.

Fans seemed to be reacting to Djokovic roaring after winning points, with boos and jeers ringing out around Court Philippe Chatrier.

Speaking in commentary for Eurosport, John McEnroe was gobsmacked by the crowd's treatment of Djokovic.

“I don’t know why they’re booing him. I mean, my goodness. Are you kidding me?” he said.

Tim Henman replied: “But he won’t like it, will he?”

McEnroe then said: “No he won’t. He shouldn’t. Why would they boo that? ‘He’s trying too hard, let’s please boo him!’

Henman then asked: “Do you think the crowd think he should be showing sympathy to his opponent?”

Before McEnroe replied: “I have no idea what they’re thinking. It makes no sense.”

Social media users were also unhappy with the ugly scenes.

The World No.1 opened his title defence at the French Open and improved to 18-0 for his career in the first round at Roland Garros.

Djokovic, who turned 35 on Sunday, is pursuing a third title in Paris and a 21st grand slam trophy - which would tie him with Rafa Nadal for the men's record.

He hadn't played in a major tournament since losing to Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final last September, ending his bid to complete the first calendar-year Grand Slam for a man since 1969.

Djokovic wasn't allowed to compete at the Australian Open in January because of his vaccination status, however there is no vaccination requirement at Roland Garros.

Novak Djokovic and Yoshihito Nishioka, pictured here after their match at the French Open.
Novak Djokovic shakes hands with Yoshihito Nishioka after their match at the French Open. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

Stan Wawrinka knocked out by wildcard

Former French Open champion Stan Wawrinka was earlier dumped out of the French Open by a local wildcard.

Corentin Moutet beat the 2015 champion 2-6 6-3 7-6 (7-2) 6-3, earning the dubious reward of a second round meeting with 13-time champion Rafa Nadal - who beat Australia's Jordan Thompson 6-2 6-2 6-2.

Wawrinka, 14 years older than his 23-year-old opponent, had previously played only four tour-level matches this season, winning two.

He missed most of last season after having surgery on his left foot.

Stan Wawrinka, pictured here in action against Corentin Moutet at the French Open.
Stan Wawrinka in action against Corentin Moutet at the French Open. (Photo by Shi Tang/Getty Images)

"Unfortunately this is the reality of how I play at the moment," he said.

"I need training, a lot of work. I am playing well but not at the level for matches like that. This is the reality unfortunately of where I am,.

"The frustration does not come from a comparison of my past level but because I know I could have done more and that some things did not go well."

The World No.139, Moutet had lost six of his last nine matches.

with agencies

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