Novak Djokovic turned in one of his best performances of 2024 as he beat Roberto Carballes Baena and he revealed why he lashed out at a spectator on Court Philippe Chatrier, but it was not without controversy.
Djokovic raced into the third round of the French Open after he was booed by the Roland Garros crowd.
The defending champion was 5-4 ahead in the first set against Roberto Carballes Baena when he complained to chair umpire Nico Helwerth that a spectator had called out as he chased down a drop-shot.
Djokovic was jeered by some of the fans on Court Philippe Chatrier – and he promptly won 13 of the next 16 games to claim a statement 6-4 6-1 6-2. victory.
The world No 1 said revealed why he complained about the spectator, who was threatened with removal from the stadium by the chair umpire after the incident.
“He shouted actually a few words during the rally,” said Djokovic.
“I mean, when Carballes Baena made a drop-shot and as I was running, he was there in the first row – and he started from the beginning of the match.
“He went on several times, which was fine, he was supporting my opponent, but I thought that this was a bit of a hindrance as he was so close and then, you know, as I was about to hit the ball, he was shouting.
“So that’s what I asked the chair umpire, but he explained that he cannot call that a hindrance. That’s it. Very simple.
“Look, they are very passionate fans, you know. At times they are not easy. I have been having some love affairs with the fans here – and also some tough matches, some tough seasons. I have experienced both sides.
“Obviously you always want to be the one that they support or at least have kind of a neutral atmosphere on the court, but it’s not possible always for that to happen.”
Djokovic went on to reveal why he hasn’t made a permanent coaching appointment after his high-profile split from Goran Ivanisevic was confirmed in March.
Speaking in the Eurosport Cube, he insisted he didn’t feel the need to appoint a permanent coach at the back end of his career, as he outlined why long-time friend and associate Boris Bosnjakovic has been added to his camp for the French Open after he worked with Nenad Zimonjic in recent tournaments.
“I have Boris Bosnjakovic with me here,” stated Djokovic. “He is someone I worked with in the first phases of my professional career.
“He was an assistant coach, he was travelling with me. Then he was the main coach in the tennis centre we had for years in Belgrade.
“Then for the last few years, he has been working on several projects that we have together, methodology and also video analytics. So he has been the one providing insights into my next opponent’s game and my own game.
“So I invited him to come in and come with us. I have known him for a long time like I have known Nenad Zimonjic as well, who was with me for the last couple of tournaments.
“I’m comfortable with these guys for the moment. I don’t want to rush my decisions.
“I have quite a bit of experience and know what needs to be done, but I also do need someone who has played tennis and knows tennis. I need eyes on the side of the court beacause I can’t see everything I’m doing.
“Of course, I have many years on the court, but you can’t see if you are doing something wrong or not. Let’s see what happens after this tournament.”
