Novak Djokovic was booed by the crowd after declining a post-match interview (Image: Getty)
claimed: “You need to weather the storm when you feel challenged” after walking out of his favourite Rod Laver Arena .
The Serbian superstar 6-3 6-4 7-6 to set up a quarter-final showdown with .
But the 10-time champion was again unhappy about getting heckled by the crowd during the match
At one point in the third set, he told Swedish umpire Mohamed Lahyani: “They are doing it on purpose. It is so obvious.”
At the end of the win, Djokovic took the microphone off Jim Courier and said: “Thank you very much for being here tonight, I appreciate your presence and support and I will see you in the next round.”
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He then walked off to a smattering of boos and was then seen in a heated discussion with tournament director Craig Tiley.
The 24-time Grand Slam then went to speak to Eurosport. Asked about handling the crowd and pressure, Djokovic said: “We all try to handle it in our own specific way. Sometimes I do it better and sometimes I kind of work against myself.
“Only people who have been there at the highest level know what you need to deal with. You need to weather the storm when you feel challenged. When I faced adversity the last few matches, I think I have handled it well. It’s a good signal for the next one.”
Speaking on Eurosport, Jim Courier said: “Maybe we’ll learn more about it in the press conference afterwards but he just didn’t feel like having a chat. I had no idea that was going to happen but there is no obligation for these players to do that.
“It’s an opportunity for them to talk to people in the stadium and the fans around the world. But a player can opt out. Sometimes if they’re injured or cramping, they can opt out. I don’t think it was that but hopefully we will get more colour on it.”
Craig on the spot.
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Eurosport tennis expert Mats Wilander added: “I think spectators are trying to disturb players like Novak because he’s won too much and they want to see a longer match.”
Djokovic revisited his 2022 deportation from Australia before the tournament claiming he still felt “trauma” coming through immigration here and then claiming he was poisoned while in detention.
Asked about his new coach , Djokovic said: “ He has pretty much the same poker face I’ve seen on the court for the last 30 years.
“He understands very well the pressure moments and energy you have to face and deliver out on the court. It’s great to have so much energy from his corner. He encourages me all the time and I love it.”