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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Liam Prenderville

Novak Djokovic fumes at umpire after more supporter taunts at Australian Open

Novak Djokovic was incensed after more taunts from fans at the Australian Open.

The Serb is into the semi-finals as he goes in search of his 10th title in Melbourne, a year after being deported from the country over his vaccination status. Australian Open officials warned spectators about booing Djokovic during the competition but that has not stopped him being on the receiving end of jibes.

In the latest on-court incident during the quarter-final with Andrey Rublev, a fan was reportedly heard yelling at the Russian to "send him home". Djokovic was left furious by the heckling at Rod Laver Arena and urged British umpire James Keothavong to do something about it.

"Can you tell the drunk guy to shut up or not? Every point, every single point you're not reacting," the Serb said.

"I don't mind if he is supporting him [Rublev]. But for three or four times in a row, he has said things about me."

Djokovic managed to calm his nerves to win the clash in Melbourne 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 but only after more heckles in the final points of the match.

Keothavong was then forced to address the crowd, warning: "The players are here for you, please respect them."

Earlier in the tournament, Djokovic claimed he "had enough" of hecklers and suggested fans were crossing the line with their taunts.

That came after he alleged a fan was drunk during his match against Enzo Couacaud with officials forced to speak to a group of fans dressed as Where's Wally.

He told the umpire: "The guy's drunk out of his mind, from the first point he's been provoking me. He's not here to watch tennis. He just wants to get in my head."

Djokovic will now face American Tommy Paul for a place in this weekend's final.

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