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'Very strange': Twist in Novak Djokovic's US Open crowd controversy

Riley Morgan
·Sports Reporter
·4-min read
Novak Djokovic (pictured left) reacting to a point and (pictured right) thanking the crowd with his celebration after his win at the US Open.
Novak Djokovic (pictured left) received a bit more love from the US Open crowd and showed his appreciation at the end of the match. (Images: Getty Images/US Open)

Novak Djokovic has not enjoyed a favourable relationship with the New York this year, but viewers noticed a 'strange' shift in momentum during his round of 16 victory over American Jenson Brooksby.

Not many were giving American young gun Brooksby much of a chance against the World No.1, but the 20-year-old stunned Djokovic to take the first set 6-1 in just 30 minutes.

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The raucous Flushing Meadows crowd was cheering on the 20-year-old with his unorthodox style troubling Djokovic.

Despite the first set going all the American's way, Djokovic flicked a switch and became near 'unstoppable' to run away with the match 1-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.

However, in what surprised many viewers, Djokovic was receiving some support from the crowd.

The Serb has become continuously perturbed with the New York crowds insistence on cheering for his opponent.

Djokovic even skipped his unique celebration after his first round match after he thought the crowd was booing him.

This has also caught the ire of many viewers around the world, especially considering Djokovic is going for an historic 21 grand slams at the US Open.

But, during the pandemonium at Arthur Ashe Stadium, a small number fans could be heard cheering on Djokovic.

While the vast majority were supporting Brooksby, and refused to clap Djokovic's extraordinary winners, some pointed out the World No.1 was not facing the usual 'hostile' US Open reception.

However, there was still plenty of silence during some of Djokovic's jaw-dropping moments.

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The World No.1 was all classy after his round of 16 victory.

Following the win, he waited and applauded the American off after a gutsy display.

Djokovic then paid tribute to Brooksby in his on-court interview, saying: "He disguises his shots very well and he is very talented... He's only 20 so he's got a lot of time ahead of him."

Djokovic pinpointed the middle of the second set as the turning-point after he battled through back-to-back marathon games to re-establish his break advantage.

"I think the momentum changed midway through the second set when I came through a couple of long games then I started hitting more cleanly," Djokovic said.

"All in all it was a very physical battle with a lot of exciting rallies, and credit to him for his performance tonight, it was fantastic."

He extended his pursuit of a true slam and a record-breaking 21st major championship while also eliminating the last American singles player in the tournament.

It is the first time in the history of an event that dates to the 1880s that no man or woman from the host country reached the quarter-finals.

with AAP

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