Novak Djokovic was involved in an awkward moment with Annabel Croft during his on-court interview after beating Roman Safiullin at Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic felt compelled to say sorry to interviewer Annabel Croft while speaking to the BBC pundit on Centre Court, before putting her on the spot moments later. Djokovic had just dispatched Roman Safiullin in four sets to book his place in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon when he answered questions from Croft on court.
The match was not short of drama, however, with the Serb receiving a warning for his language following a difficult moment at the start of the fourth set. “And the outbursts as well… The outbursts, you know, the meltdowns. I had a few of those today as well. I apologise,” the 39 year old told Croft after she quizzed him on whether his concentration ever drifts during a match.
He then turned to the former British No. 1 and enquired whether she could relate, having competed professionally herself. However, there was a slightly awkward exchange as Croft initially seemed uncertain about what he was asking.
“You played back in the days, you remember. Our mind wanders all the time [and it’s] very hard to keep it in the present moment. Whoever does that is a winner,” Djokovic added.
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Reflecting more broadly on the triumph, the veteran described it as “Another hard-fought win”. He continued: “Roman started very well, very aggressive, I didn’t feel maybe so comfortable from the back of the court, I knew it was going to be a challenge staying in the rally with him.
“Just a very solid player. I respect him a lot. I’ve played him on different surfaces, never on grass though. He has had some great wins this week and I wish him luck for the rest of the season. He should be proud of the performance he had today.”
Djokovic admitted he found himself in an unusual situation against the qualifier, who had stunned Joao Fonseca in the previous round. “I don’t get to feel inferior from the back of the court with too many players throughout my career. Today it was one of those days when I didn’t want to stay in the rally for too long,” he said.
“So I had to mix things up and it worked. At some moments it worked and some it didn’t but in the end I found the accuracy and precision with the first serve that really got me out of trouble in the fourth.
“Survive to thrive, that’s how I feel” was Djokovic’s response when Croft asked about his campaign at SW19 this year. “So hopefully the thriving part is coming.”
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