FRENCH OPEN: ‘THANK YOU FOR YELLING AT ME!’ – NOVAK DJOKOVIC BLOWS KISS TO FAN, JOHN MCENROE REACTS
Eurosport's John McEnroe gave his immediate reaction on commentary as Novak Djokovic stopped to point at a fan who had been noisy in his direction and then blow a kiss after winning a key point against Karen Khachanov. The pressure had been mounting on the two-time champion at Roland-Garros in the crucial quarter-final clash on Court Philippe-Chatrier, and he responded.
Djokovic found the perfect response to a “yelling” fan as he blew a kiss after winning a stunning point against Karen Khachanov in the quarter-finals of the French Open.
The world No. 3 lost the opening set 6-4 to the underdog 11th seed in their afternoon clash on Court Philippe-Chatrier, but he roared back in classic fashion to take the next three sets, and with it the match.
Having raced into a strong early lead in the fourth set and with all the momentum at 2-1 up with a break, Djokovic found himself under pressure in an extended deuce battle on his serve as his opponent rallied strongly.
He clearly heard some “yelling” from a supporter in the stands, and after he won the key point at deuce with a flashing forehand, he proceeded to point to the individual and then blow a kiss.
John McEnroe, who was on commentary for Eurosport at the time, gave his reaction to the moment.
“Novak’s like, ‘thank you for yelling at me!’” McEnroe explained.
“The crowd is starting to get on him. Khachanov is getting frustrated, he’s screaming over, ‘how does this guy keep hitting [the] lines?’”
Djokovic is targeting a third crown at Roland-Garros with the 36-year-old having triumphed in Paris in 2016 and 2021.