Novak Djokovic has to make do with heckles from crowd as tennis ace shows why he is world No1 at ATP Finals
World No1 had to deal with cat-caller from the audience at the O2 Arena but eventually defeated the Croat in straight sets 7-6 6-2
NOVAK DJOKOVIC maintained his 100 per cent record at this year’s Nitto ATP Finals – and overcame an O2 Arena heckler.
The World No1 won his third straight match at the season-ending tournament with a 7-6 6-2 victory over Croatian Marin Cilic.
MOST READ IN tennis
He will now face South African big-server Kevin Anderson in the semi-finals on Saturday evening – a repeat of the Wimbledon 2018 final which Djokovic won.
However, the Serb was heckled for missing a serve on the first point of the match from a yob in a very loud box.
And he was heckled again from someone in the same direction during the first-set tie-break, which he was by 9-7.
The loudmouth screamed: "I’ve got a taxi – get on with it."
Djokovic, 31, who was watched by Swedish tennis legend Stefan Edberg, won 31 consecutive points on his serve.
But he was not too bothered by the O2 Arena heckler.
Djokovic said: "Well, I heard they were engaged, so to say, in the match.
"I didn't hear exactly what they were saying. I was not that focused on it.
"I could hear them. I guess they were having fun.
"Did they put me off? No, no, not really."
He said: "I knew before the match I had qualified for the semi-finals and I knew who I would be playing.
"So, it wasn’t easy to approach this match with 100 per cent willingness to win it. I have been in a similar situation before.
John Isner reveals heartbreak after learning of best pal's death during ATP Finals week
By JOSHUA JONES
JOHN ISNER has revealed he learned of the death of his best friend as he walked off the court after defeat to Novak Djokovic.
The American and tragic pal Kyle Morgan have been described as "inseparable" — while the grief-stricken star has fought on and played Marin Cilic and Alexander Zverev, losing all three matches.
He was beaten 7-6 6-3 by talented German Zverev this afternoon meaning he leaves the UK with three defeats from three.
But any chances of the 33-year-old enjoying his week in London were shattered on Monday night.
After losing 6-4 6-3 to world No1 and tournament favourite Djokovic, Isner learned he lost something far more important — his best friend Kyle.
The circumstances around the 35-year-old’s sudden death are still unknown, but it understandably shocked the 6ft 10in star.
"It’s an unique format but these things can happen. Both of us wanted to win from the first point. It was a close first set which decided the match.
"I have been trying to use my serve accurately and go for precision rather than speed.
"I had three high servers in my group – Isner, Zverev and Cilic – all 135 or 140mph first serves. I am not competing with them in speed.
"Kevin is playing some big tennis. He’s having his best season.
"He had a really dominant win over Kei Nishikori. He is playing and serving well. He will be aggressive. I know what to expect."
