By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
SportzHighlightsSportzHighlightsSportzHighlights
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Tennis
  • Formula 1
  • E-sports
  • NHL
  • Baseball
Reading: Novak Djokovic incident ‘indefensible’ as Tim Henman calls out ‘chaos’
Font ResizerAa
SportzHighlightsSportzHighlights
Font ResizerAa
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Tennis
  • Formula 1
  • E-sports
  • NHL
  • Baseball
Search
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Tennis
  • Formula 1
  • E-sports
  • NHL
  • Baseball
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
© Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
Home Blog Novak Djokovic incident ‘indefensible’ as Tim Henman calls out ‘chaos’
Tennis

Novak Djokovic incident ‘indefensible’ as Tim Henman calls out ‘chaos’

Last updated: February 6, 2025 6:53 am
Ethan Blake
4 Min Read
Share
Novak Djokovic incident 'indefensible' as Tim Henman calls out 'chaos'
Novak Djokovic incident 'indefensible' as Tim Henman calls out 'chaos'

Tim Henman has strongly criticized the Australian Open fans who booed Novak Djokovic off the court last month, calling their behavior “indefensible.”

Djokovic had to retire mid-match during his semi-final against Alexander Zverev, which prevented him from potentially securing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. Throughout the tournament, he was met with constant jeering from the crowd, and this hostility persisted even as he left Rod Laver Arena after withdrawing due to a hamstring injury.

Speaking to Mirror Sport, former British No. 1 Henman insisted there was no excuse for the crowd’s behaviour, though did acknowledge that Djokovic’s on-court antics often needlessly attracted trouble. “I think the fans got it totally wrong,” the 50-year-old said.

“For someone who is going for their 11th Australian Open title, their 25th slam, to pull out after a set, he’s obviously in a bad way. For him to be booed in that moment is pretty indefensible.

“However, I’m not on social media, but what I hear goes on with him and his fans, it’s chaos isn’t it. And there have been times when he’s probably attracted that. But he absolutely doesn’t deserve to be booed off court after he’s had to retire.”

Henman further speculated if Djokovic’s confrontational attitude on court might be driven by his wish to garner the same level of adoration that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal naturally attract.

“I think if you dig a bit deeper, in my opinion, he’s always craved the affection that’s been shown to Federer and Nadal,” he said.

“And some people I guess don’t like that, that he behaves in that way. But that whole thing isn’t really my scene. You look at what he’s achieved, you look at almost every stat and he’s the best in all of them. He’s phenomenal.”

Novak Djokovic, now 37, has always had a complex relationship with tennis fans. His fierce competitiveness, unshakeable confidence, and fiery on-court demeanor have garnered both staunch supporters and loud detractors over the years.

Many celebrate his relentless drive and indomitable spirit, while others are turned off by what they perceive as his brash assertiveness, especially when juxtaposed with the more reserved on-court personas of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

The situation intensified in January 2022 when Djokovic was deported from Australia for not being vaccinated against Covid-19. Initially granted an exemption by the Australian government to participate in the Australian Open, public outcry led to a policy reversal and his subsequent removal from the country.

Following this event, Djokovic’s firm position on the vaccination issue further entrenched his image as a divisive figure in both sports and politics. He clarified that he was not against vaccination per se but was a staunch advocate for bodily autonomy, even suggesting he’d be willing to end his tennis career for this principle.

This stance only inflamed his critics, which seems to have spurred Djokovic’s even more defiant match behavior. Today, wherever he competes, the 24-time Grand Slam champion often finds himself cast in the role of the antagonist – a role he has, at times, seemed to accept with enthusiasm.

His withdrawal from last month’s Australian Open extends his major title drought to 16 months, the longest since 2018. With just one more Grand Slam win, he could surpass Margaret Court to become the statistically greatest tennis player ever. However, with increasing injuries, the natural progression of age, and an ever-improving field of competitors, 2025 might be his critical window for success.

Ethan Blake

Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Rob Tanner issues honest response when asked if Ruud van Nistelrooy has lost the Leicester dressing room Rob Tanner issues honest response when asked if Ruud van Nistelrooy has lost the Leicester dressing room
Next Article Warriors make unfortunate announcement after Jimmy Butler trade Warriors make unfortunate announcement after Jimmy Butler trade
Leave a Comment Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Most Popular

PGA Tour star discloses private Donald Trump conversation and what he asked US President
A Memoir of Soccer, Grit, and Leveling the Playing Field
10 Super Easy Steps to Your Dream Body 4X
Mind Gym : An Athlete's Guide to Inner Excellence
Mastering The Terrain Racing, Courses and Training
Jamal Musiala speaks out on 'blame' with message to Donnarumma after Bayern Munich horror injury

Jamal Musiala speaks out on ‘blame’ with message to Donnarumma after Bayern Munich horror injury

By Ethan Blake

Subscribe Now

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
[mc4wp_form]

Sean Dyche details Everton’s changes and pre-Wolves win message

7 months ago

Arne Slot issues fresh Mo Salah statement as Liverpool contract ‘anticipated soon’

7 months ago

You Might Also Like

Andy Murray's mother Judy Murray has message for Novak Djokovic
Tennis

Andy Murray’s mother Judy Murray has message for Novak Djokovic

7 months ago
Tennis

Maria Sakkari & Yulia Putintseva get into heated argument at Bad Homburg Open after controversial handshake

2 weeks ago
Tennis

BBC axe tennis bad boy Nick Kyrgios from Wimbledon coverage

4 weeks ago
Paula Badosa Forced To Withdraw From 2025 Indian Wells Open
Tennis

Paula Badosa Forced To Withdraw From 2025 Indian Wells Open

4 months ago
© 2025 SportzHighlights. All Rights Reserved.
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?