Novak Djokovic calls out heckling fan at Australian Open

MELBOURNE, Australia — Novak Djokovic invited a rowdy spectator to confront him face-to-face Wednesday at the Australian Open.

During the fourth set of his second-round match against local favorite Alexei Popyrin, Djokovic walked to the back of the court and shouted at the spectator.

“A lot of things were told to me on the court, especially from that corner, and from the same side of the other corner,” Djokovic said after his 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (4) , Victory 6-3. “I tolerated it for most of the match.

“At one point I had enough and asked him if he wanted to come down and tell me to my face. Unfortunately for him, he didn't have the courage to come down.”

Djokovic didn't reveal what the heckler told him, saying “you don't want to know [what he said]”.

Eurosport analyst Nick Kyrgios commented during the exchange that the fan should not have “poked the bear”.

Djokovic said: “I was asking [the heckler]“If you have courage, if you are such a tough man, a tough guy, come tell me to my face and let’s talk about it.”

Djokovic overcame his own struggles and the rowdy crowd at Rod Laver Arena to win his 30th consecutive match at the Australian Open, which he has won 10 times. The world No. 1 is seeking a record 25th career Grand Slam title.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.