Novak Djokovic apologises after cruel request for brother be evicted from stands in brutal blow up
The Serbian stormed back to defeat his young opponent following a tense opening few minutes that saw him unleash on his own team.
Novak Djokovic claimed the 92nd title of his career in a victory over Sebastian Korda at the Adelaide International.
But not before a cruel blowup at his own box following the opening set.
The Serbian stormed back to defeat his young opponent following a tense opening few minutes that saw him unleash on his own team.
Djokovic could be seen yelling toward the box and telling someone to leave the court before his brother Marko was later seen exiting the area.
It was clear the tennis superstar was furious at something they had done in the dying stages of the lost set.
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Aussie tennis legend Roger Rasheed described the moment on commentary, claiming it highlighted the Serbian’s desire to win.
Rasheed said: “He got angry. Is unusual.
“He pointed to his box and two out of five members are no longer sitting there.
“It’s probably living proof that he wants to win badly, in this final.
“He’s got his game face on, mixed with a bit of anger at the moment.”
Djokovic later addressed the incident in a post-match press conference in which he apologised for his outburst.
He said: “I’d like to thank my team for handling me, tolerating me in the good and bad times today,” Djokovic said.
“I’m sure they didn’t have such a blast with me going back and forth with them. But, you know, I appreciate them being here.
“My brother Mark was also here. I don’t see him that much. So, I appreciate you coming here, Mark. Love you.”
It signalled a good result for Djokovic ahead of the Grand Slam in Melbourne next week, extending his unbeaten streak in Australia to 34 straight matches.
The crowd were certainly behind the Serbian after he was deported from Australia last year.
Djokovic said: “It’s been an amazing week. To be standing here is a gift definitely.
“I gave it my all today and throughout the week in order to be able to get my hands on this trophy.
“The support I have been getting in the last 10 days was something that I don’t think I’ve experienced too many times in my life.
“It definitely felt like playing at home.”
Topics: Novak Djokovic, Australia, Tennis
Jayden Collins