CNN
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Novak Djokovic’s straight-sets victory over Cameron Norrie within the Italian Open boiled over when the British tennis star hit the again of the world No. 1’s leg with a smash.
The incident occurred initially of the second set and regardless of an instantaneous apology from Norrie, Djokovic didn’t reply nicely, continuing to stare down his opponent.
The stare from Djokovic stored going as he walked in the direction of the online earlier than providing a verbal rebuttal to the British No. 1.
“Perhaps you possibly can say he didn’t hit me intentionally,” Djokovic advised reporters after his 6-Three 6-Four win within the spherical of 16.
“I don’t know if he noticed me. I imply … you possibly can at all times see the place the participant is positioned on the court docket.”
Djokovic added that he wasn’t altogether enamored with Norrie’s habits typically all through the match.
“It was not a lot perhaps about that, but it surely was perhaps a mixture of issues,” mentioned the 35-year-old Djokovic.
“He was doing all of the issues that we’re allowed. He’s allowed to take a medical timeout. He’s allowed to hit a participant. He’s allowed to say ‘come on’ within the face roughly each single level from mainly first recreation.
“These are the issues that we gamers know within the locker room it’s not truthful play, it’s not how we deal with one another. However, once more, it’s allowed.”
Nevertheless, Djokovic didn’t let his unhappiness with Norrie impression his kind on the court docket as he eased in the direction of a spot within the Italian Open quarterfinals.
“He introduced the hearth, and I responded to that. I’m not going to permit somebody behaving like this simply bending my head. I’m going to reply to that,” added the 22-time grand slam winner.
“I obtained together with Cameron very well all these years that he’s been on the tour. Practised with one another. He’s a really good man off the court docket, so I don’t perceive this sort of angle on the court docket, to be trustworthy.”
A consultant of Norrie advised CNN that the world No. 13 had no touch upon Djokovic’s post-game remarks.