Novak Djokovic explains why he was so emotional towards the crowd after reaching the last 16 at Wimbledon.
The world number one and defending champion reached the second week at SW19 after beating Denis Kudla.
Djokovic overcame a break deficit in the third set to beat the American 6-4 6-3 7-6(7) to reach the last 16.
However during the match, the Serb seemed very vocal and passionate towards the crowd as he was fired up.
In his post-match press conference Djokovic said that he needed to release some stress in the heat of the battle, “In the heat of the battle, those things happen, you release the emotions, the stress, the pressure you feel on the court,” Djokovic said.
“Sometimes you are looking for some support and sometimes you just want to let [your emotions] go – and that’s what happened for me.”
Next for the world number one will be Chile’s Cristian Garin who beat Pedro Martinez 6-4 6-3 4-6 6-4.
But the top seed admitted that he will need to improve on his performance if he wants to win Wimbledon again, “We were pretty even up until the finish of the first set,” Djokovic confessed.
“I am not too pleased with the way I performed, especially with the serve. I had to slow the pace down and mix it up because he has a flat ball.”
Djokovic will be looking for a record-equalling 20th grand slam should he win his remaining four matches next week.
Here is what Djokovic’ projected draw looks like heading into the second week:
R4: Cristian Garin (WR20)
QF: Andrey Rublev (WR7)
SF: Roberto Bautista Agut (WR10)
Final: Daniil Medvedev (WR2)
