One of the selling points of the Davis Cup has long been the boisterous atmospheres created by partisan crowds cheering on their teams.
Football-style support – led by bands playing terrace songs to whip up those around them – creates an environment which is wildly different to the more cerebral nature of other tennis events.
Etiquette is generally observed but, of course, there is a line.
Novak Djokovic felt that was crossed when a small group of British fans tried to drown out his interview with musical instruments after their team were knocked out by Serbia on Thursday in Malaga.
The world number one was in no way suggesting the noise created between points and during the changeovers should be diluted.
British captain Leon Smith agrees the best Davis Cup ties are the noisy ones.
“When it’s flat and dead and no-one’s clapping, no music, it’s pretty boring,” Smith said.
“That’s one of the things that’s good about Davis Cup and the team competition, that actually you’re kind of meant to make noise.
“There are always comments which can go a bit over but I don’t think it’s that bad.
“I would hate to see it quietening down, because there’s enough quiet tennis as it is. If anything, that atmosphere is good for us.”
After securing Serbia’s place in the last four with an assured and drama-free win over Cameron Norrie, Djokovic suggested the noisier British fans should “learn how to show respect” before telling them to “shut up”.
“They can do whatever they want, but I’m going to respond to that. That’s what happened,” Djokovic said.
Djokovic is a player who generally thrives in a spicy atmosphere, feeding off the energy of a crowd – even when it is negative – and channelling into his performance.
Having won a men’s record 24 Grand Slam titles and being widely considered as the greatest player of all time, it clearly works for the 36-year-old Serb.
Djokovic’s point was that what perhaps was intended to be ‘banter’ by the British band had strayed into disrespect.
The International Tennis Federation, which organises the Davis Cup and the women’s Billie Jean King Cup, remains happy for supporters to bring along instruments.
The tie between Britain and Serbia in Malaga was a colourful occasion, with both sets of passionate supporters singing, chanting and making noise to create an atmosphere reminiscent of matches in the competition’s previous home-and-away format.
Andy Murray,…
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