Novak Djokovic. Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Novak Djokovic was irate with heckler at Australian Open match

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 1/19/23

A bad hamstring was not the only distraction Novak Djokovic had to deal with at his second-round Australian Open match on Thursday. He also had to deal with a relentless heckler that would not leave him alone.

Making things even more frustrating for Djokovic? The umpire would not remove the fan from the court, prompting a heated exchange between the two.

Watch as Djokovic pleads with the umpire to remove the fan, arguing that he was "drunk out of his mind" and not there to watch tennis. He also added, "He just wants to get in my head."

"The guy's ... he's not here to watch tennis!"

A furious Novak Djokovic pleads with the umpire to remove a loud spectator from the audience #AusOpen | @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/IiASc4pyEj
— Eurosport (@eurosport) January 19, 2023

It should not be a surprise that he is facing some pushback from fans in the country. Djokovic is making his return to Australia after being deported a year ago on the eve of the tournament after his refusal to receive the COVID vaccine. He was granted a Visa and is able to play in this year's tournament.

He defeated Roberto Carballes Baena in the first round and on Thursday was able to power through the hamstring injury and the heckler to defeat Enzo Couacaud in his second-round match.

He is now set to face Grigor Dimitrov in the third round.

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