Australian Open fan's Covid sledge at Novak Djokovic revealed - as Serbian icon is again targeted
Novak Djokovic could prove to be one of the most unpopular winners of the Australian Open - if the heckling from Rod Laver Arena on Monday night is any guide.
The Serbian superstar, 35, blitzed local hope Alex de Minaur in straight sets - and one particular sledge from a fan during the fourth round match was brutal.
The nine-time champion at Melbourne Park was lining up to serve at 6-2 4-0 when a supporter was overheard asking, 'Did you get a jab for your leg, Novak?' in a blunt reference to his Covid-19 vaccine status and supposedly troublesome hamstring.
As tension mounted, chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani pleaded with the crowd to stop their heckling.
'No need to do these kind of comments please,' he said.
Djokovic didn't respond to any courtside jibes, but had the last laugh, winning in emphatic fashion 6-2 6-1 6-2 to confirm his favourtism ahead of Sunday's final.