Novak Djokovic has voiced frustration with the behaviour of French tennis fans, calling their antics “disrespectful” following his experience at the 2024 French Open.
The Serbian star, who has won a record seven titles at the Paris Masters, pointed to the often-hostile atmosphere French spectators create, especially when international players face French opponents.
Speaking about his experience at Roland-Garros, Djokovic acknowledged the passionate energy of French crowds but noted that it can quickly shift to unsportsmanlike behaviour. “At times, they are not easy, and I’ve had some love affairs with the fans here, along with some tough seasons,” he stated. Djokovic, known for his composure on the court, added that facing a French player in Paris can mean contending with more than just an opponent. “You have to be aware that you’re going into a big battle—not just with your opponent,” he explained.
Djokovic admitted he appreciates a lively crowd, but he argued there’s a “fine line” between enthusiasm and disrespect. “I want to see fans cheering and chanting…that’s beautiful to experience,” he said, but added that excessive noise or jeering crosses that line, becoming “disrespectful towards the player.”
The situation reached a tipping point when Djokovic witnessed fans’ unruly behaviour on the tournament’s outer courts, particularly during a match involving Belgium’s David Goffin. “On the outside courts, it can be even louder and more inappropriate at times,” he remarked, suggesting that the disruptive fan culture in French venues could damage tennis’s sportsmanship standards.
Djokovic’s comments follow increased calls for tournament officials to address fan behaviour. In his own words, Djokovic “supports a player standing up against people who are disrespecting and heckling.” He urged French stadium officials to consider stronger measures to curb disrespectful actions, adding that “tolerating” such antics is sometimes unavoidable but often drains players’ focus and energy. He suggested that umpires should have the authority to eject disruptive spectators after initial warnings, a move that might encourage fans to think twice before behaving poorly.
