"We all know what happened" - Holger Rune contradicts Novak Djokovic's complaints about 'disrespectful' booing crowd in Wimbledon 4R clash

Holger Rune has shared his thoughts on the crowd's conduct during his blockbuster fourth-round clash against Novak Djokovic at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. While the Serb was angered by the "disrespectful" crowd's boos, Rune has offered a different perspective regarding their behavior.

Djokovic delivered his best performance of this year's grasscourt Major yet, as he claimed a commanding 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win over Rune in two hours and three minutes. Continuing his quest to equal Roger Federer's record of eight Wimbledon titles, the World No. 2 booked his place in the quarterfinals with the clinical victory.

Despite his elation over his triumph, the 24-time Grand Slam champion expressed frustration with the crowd's support for Holger Rune, even mocking their chants after winning the second set. He aired his grievances with their conduct during the on-court interview, calling out the "disrespectful" fans and sarcastically wishing them "good night."

Novak Djokovic also asserted that he was wise to the crowd's "tricks," expressing his belief that it was the spectators' intention to boo him under the guise of their 'Rune' chants.

"They were. They were. I don't accept it. No, no, no. I know they were cheering for [Holger] Rune but that’s an excuse to also boo. Listen, I have been on the tour for more than 20 years. So trust me, I know all the tricks, I know how it works, it's fine, it's fine, it's okay," Djokovic said.

However, Holger Rune contradicted the Serb during his post-match press conference, suggesting that the chants of his name only came across as boos due to a different pronunciation of his surname in certain European countries.

"It all started at US Open the first time we played each other. When the crowd chanted my name and it sounded a little bit like ‘boo…’ Then we played each other many more times, more like in Italy and France where they don’t pronounce my name the same way. Yeah, now we’re in England. If you don’t know what was happening, probably it sounded like ‘boo,'" Rune said.

The Dane also contended that there was "good support" present for both him and Djokovic and opined that any hostile behavior had no negative impact on their performances, admitting that the World No. 2 had simply outplayed him.

"But… if we all know what happened, it was my name. He’s played so many matches since he played me last time. If he didn’t remember, it could probably sound different for him. But I don’t think it played a massive part in the match. He was just better than me today," he said.

"Whether the crowd was this or that. I think it was great support for both players to be honest. They were supporting him on good points. They were supporting me. Nice scenes on Centre Court," he added.

Novak Djokovic to take on Alex de Minaur in Wimbledon QF after win over Holger Rune

Novak Djokovic (Source: Getty)

Following his commanding win over Holger Rune, Novak Djokovic will continue his hunt for his 25th Grand Slam title against Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. De Minaur booked his place against the Serb by beating Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.

Djokovic enjoys a 2-1 lead in his head-to-head record against the Australian, including a 7-5, 6-4 victory in their most recent meeting in the 2024 Monte-Carlo Masters quarterfinals.

If the World No. 2 extends his winning record against De Minaur, he will battle it out against the winner of the blockbuster quarterfinal clash between Taylor Fritz and Lorenzo Musetti for a place in the final.