Novak Djokovic told a spectator to "shut the f*** up" as he fell to a disappointing defeat at the Monte Carlo Masters.
The Serbian, who is still seeking his first title of 2024, was beaten in three sets by Casper Ruud. The Norwegian secured his first ever success over Djokovic with the World No 1 allowing his emotions to spill over late in the contest. Djokovic missed a simple forehand while trailing 3-4 and quickly turned round to confront a member of the crowd, who he felt was being excessive with his volume during the game. The Serbian screamed explicits at the individual before muttering something under his breath.
Footage appeared to show the crowd member being ejected from the stadium in Monaco. Djokovic began the match poorly as he lost the first set 6-1 before roaring back to win the second set by the same scoreline. In the decider Ruud came out on top with the 24-time Grand Slam winner double faulting on match point.
Djokovic has never been shy in taking on members of the crowd. He's often adopted a siege mentality in games and has singled out individuals watching on, doing so at Wimbledon in the past. Since winning the US Open towards the end of 2023 Djokovic's results have nosedived. He suffered a shock defeat in the last four of the Australian Open and has since been beaten at the Indian Wells Masters.
He said after his latest setback: "There are positives to take away for sure, but I'm used to a really high standard in terms of expectations and results. Not having a title is - compared to the last 15 years - not a great season at all." He also added: "I had semis in Australia, the semis here. It's normal to expect that you have some seasons where you don't start well - this is the one. Hopefully, I can pick up. In terms of results, I can build from here."
Ruud meanwhile will take on Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final in Monte Carlo. The Greek star is eyeing up his third title at the tournament after beating Yannik Sinner in his semi-final. "It was tennis at its highest level that I have been able to play," said Tsitsipas. "He is one of the toughest opponents I have faced so far and to find ways when there weren't that many, I am proud of that. He gave me a very difficult game and [the] way I overcame it is true excellence."