'Why would they boo?' – John McEnroe fumes as Novak Djokovic jeered over wild celebrations at French Open

ByBen Snowball

Published 23/05/2022 at 21:01 GMT

Novak Djokovic’s popularity on Court Philippe-Chatrier nosedived as he celebrated during the second set of his match with Yoshihito Nishioka at the 2022 French Open at Roland-Garros. Djokovic was taken to deuce by the Japanese star before a marathon point prompting an outpouring of emotion from the world No. 1. Djokovic is seeing to defend his title in the French capital this fortnight.

John McEnroe slammed the crowd for booing Novak Djokovic during his opening match at the 2022 French Open, with the supporters appearing to take issue with him over-celebrating.

Leading by a set and a break against Yoshihito Nishioka, Djokovic unleashed a booming roar after surviving a pressure point on his own serve.

“Look at this guy, first round!” joked McEnroe on Eurosport commentary.

ATP Monte Carlo

‘Not a great season’ - Djokovic reacts to Monte Carlo loss, as Ruud says 'he's human'

13/04/2024 at 22:26

But not everyone inside Court Philippe-Chatrier was pleased with the world No. 1’s reaction and made their grievances known.

McEnroe was not happy at all. Here’s how an extraordinary exchange unfolded in the Eurosport commentary box between the American and Tim Henman, with the pair reconciled after their lively debate over Wimbledon’s ban on Russian and Belarusian players.

McEnroe: “I don’t know why they’re booing him. I mean, my goodness. Are you kidding me?”

Henman: “But he won’t like it, will he?”

McEnroe: “No he won’t. He shouldn’t. Why would they boo that? ‘He’s trying too hard, let’s please boo him!’

Henman: “Do you think the crowd think he should be showing sympathy to his opponent?”

McEnroe: “I have no idea what they’re thinking. It makes no sense.”

Djokovic took the following point to hold serve, prompting another triumphant battle cry as the crowd responded with a mixture of boos and cheers.

‘It was a mistake!’ – McEnroe and Henman clash over Wimbledon ban

- - -

Stream the 2022 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+

ATP Monte Carlo

'In a state of shock' - Ruud upsets Djokovic to make Monte Carlo final for first time

13/04/2024 at 19:36

ATP Monte Carlo

‘Tennis at its highest level’ - Tsitsipas downs Sinner to reach another Monte Carlo final

13/04/2024 at 17:00

ATP Monte Carlo

Djokovic breaks Nadal record with 'ugly' De Minaur win, Ruud ready for 'David v Goliath' clash

12/04/2024 at 20:59