Novak Djokovic was evidently frustrated with his coaching team during the Australian Open quarter-final against Taylor Fritz after failing to garner their attention during a challenging opening set. The Serbian, facing scorching conditions in Melbourne, missed numerous break points, intensifying his agitation.
In a 24-point opening game and Fritz’s second service game, Djokovic squandered multiple breakpoint opportunities, totalling eight missed chances in the set.
The 36-year-old, visibly upset, attempted to signal his coaching team by frantically waving his arm while seated and drinking water. After being ignored for nearly half a minute, Djokovic shouted across, finally capturing their attention. Expressing dissatisfaction, he motioned for his team to be attentive, emphasizing the need for constant focus.
Despite Fritz gaining momentum and holding two set points in the 12th game, Djokovic maintained composure, delivering a solid performance in the tie-break to secure a 7-3 victory.
This incident follows Djokovic’s earlier confrontation with a heckler in the second round, indicating moments of frustration during his Australian Open campaign. The 11-time Grand Slam champion is determined to reach the semi-finals as he vies for his 11th title in the season’s inaugural Grand Slam.
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