Djokovic tells rowdy spectator to 'shut the f*** up' in Monte Carlo

by · Mail Online

Novak Djokovic lost his temper and told a rowdy spectator to 'shut the f*** up' during his defeat by Casper Ruud in the Monte Carlo Masters semi-finals. 

The visibly irate World No 1 crashed out of the tournament after a 6-4 1-6 6-4 loss to the 10th-ranked Ruud on Saturday night as his struggles in 2024 continued.

It proved Ruud's first victory over the 24-time Grand Slam title winner in his six attempts - with Djokovic losing out in the deciding set and voicing his frustration.

Djokovic was caught on camera turning to a spectator and unleashing a string of expletives, seemingly furious at the noise emanating from the stands. 

Having missed a simple forehand while trailing 3-4, Djokovic, standing on the cusp of another setback, span round before fixing his attention on the rowdy individual. 

Novak Djokovic lost his temper with a spectator during his loss to Casper Ruud in Monte Carlo
The World No 1 shouted at the rowdy individual to 'shut the f*** up' during the deciding set

'Would you shut the f*** up?' he shouted before muttering under his breath.

A video on YouTube seemingly showed the spectator being evicted from the venue.

Djokovic had struggled in the early stages of the match and dropped two of his opening three service games, with Ruud taking the first set in decisive fashion.

The 36-year-old responded in style, however, and took the second set to take the showdown the distance and set up what proved to be a nail-biting deciding set.

But Djokovic double-faulted on Ruud's match point to consign himself to defeat. 

After shouting, Djokovic was also caught on camera muttering expletives under his breath
Djokovic is searching for his first title this year and admitted he is not having a 'great season'

'There are positives to take away for sure, but I'm used to a really high standard in terms of expectations and results,' he admitted.

'Not having a title is - compared to the last 15 years - not a great season at all.'

Djokovic's elimination followed his third-round knockout at Indian Wells and a semi-final loss at the Australian Open. He is still searching for his first title of the year. 

'I had semis in Australia, the semis here,' he added. '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.