"It frustrated Novak Djokovic" - Ex-pro gives new insights into Serb's Australian Open heckler controversy

While Novak Djokovic registered his 'best win of the tournament' during his third-round clash against Tomas Machac at the 2025 Australian Open, the Serb showed several moments of frustration during the match. British former tennis player-turned-commentator Laura Robson has now revealed that it was a result of the 24-time Grand Slam champion being heckled by the crowd mid-game.

Robson is part of the broadcasting team of Eurosport and was present at the Rod Laver Arena when Djokovic was getting frustrated by constant heckling from the crowd. The 30-year-old revealed that the 10-time Australian Open winner was being peppered by several fans at the far end of the court.

"It was more than a few [fans]. It started with people calling balls out in the rally or making a noise and it was an issue for both players. Novak definitely had a few people in the front row towards the far end of the court who seemed to be peppering him a little bit," she said [as quoted by The Tennis Gazette].

The former World No.7 added that the noise from the crowd frustrated Djokovic, who won the match in straight sets 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 after some doubted his chances at the start.

“It was hard to pick up what was said but it certainly frustrated him a little," she added.

After qualifying for the fourth round, Novak Djokovic confronted one heckler during his post-match interview and poked fun at their drunkenness.

“Sorry mate. I have a wife. We can have a drink though. Maybe you’ve had a few already," he said.

The 37-year-old will next take on Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round on January 19 as he looks to become the oldest player in the Open era to win a Grand Slam title.

---

"I’m not 19 anymore" - Novak Djokovic on struggling physically during the Australian Open 3R clash

2025 Australian Open - Novak Djokovic in action (Source: Getty)

Alongside being heckled by the crowd during his straight-sets win against Tomas Machac, Novak Djokovic also appeared in visible discomfort with his body. He grabbed his rib cage during the second set, and instead of walking to the opposite baseline, he took a small rest on his sideline bench.

The 37-year-old admitted later that he had struggled physically in the middle of the match and joked he was not a 19-year-old anymore.

"I was trying to catch my breath. I struggled. I'm not 19 anymore -- I'm 19 times two, almost," he said (via ESPN).

However, the Serb added that he "felt fresh; moved really well" by the end of the match. He was roaring as he got closer to the fourth round, and after winning his final point, the 24-time Grand Slam champion erupted in a fiery celebration and responded to his hecklers by pointing towards his ear.