In Short
- Novak Djokovic defeated Cameron Norrie in straight sets
- Djokovic was hit on his body by Norrie, who hit an explosive overhead smash
- Djokovic reached the Italian Open quarter-final for the 17th successive time
By India Today Sports Desk22-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic said he was not happy with British star Cameron Norrie’s attitude during their Round of 16 match at the Rome Masters 1000 tournament on Tuesday, May 16. Djokovic and Norrie were involved in a fiery contest where the aggresion was at a high point from the first set till the end.
Novak Djokovic emerged with a straight-sets victory but he was tested by Cameron Norrie, who looked pumped up from the word go. Norrie celebrated his points with in-your-face aggression and Djokovic did not hold back as he gave it back to the 27-year-old.
Djokovic held his composure and went on to win the match 6-3, 6-4 to reach the Italian Open quarter-final for the 17th consecutive time. It was the Serb’s 3rd win over Norrie, which includes a Wimbledon semi-final victory last year.
Things began to heat up in the second set when Norrie smashed an overhead shot from the net into Djokovic’s body. Djokovic was surprised as he had given up the point and responded to it by starting at Norrie before the British player apologised to him.
Djokovic also did not look impressed when Norrie took a medical timeout when the Serb was preparing to serve for the match.
“It was a combination of things. From the beginning, he was doing all the things that were allowed,” Djokovic said.
“He’s allowed to take a medical timeout. He’s allowed to hit a player. He’s allowed to say ‘come on’ in the face more or less every point from the first game. Those are the things we players know in the locker room isn’t fair play, it’s not how we treat each other. But, it’s allowed, so..,” Djokovic said.
‘HE BROUGHT FIRE AND I RESPONDED’
Djokovic said he had practised often in the past with Norrie but he was not going to hold back and not respond to aggression from his opponent.
“We practised with each other. He’s a very nice guy off the court so I don’t understand this kind of attitude on the court, to be honest,” the Serbian added.
“But it is what it is. He brought the fire and I responded to that. I’m not going to allow someone behaving like this just bending my head. I’m going to respond.
“That’s all it is. What happens on the court, we leave on the court and move on.”
Djokovic, who is bidding to win the Rome Masters for the 8th time, will face Holger Rune in the quarter-finals.
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