Novak Djokovic was overheard telling Wimbledon security to ‘get him’ while pointing to someone in the crowd during his win over Jacob Fearnley on Centre Court.
The British wildcard was in unchartered territory against the world No 2 with this being his debut in the main draw of a Grand Slam.
A first-round victory over Alejandro Moro Canas set up a dream Wimbledon clash against Djokovic and he was rewarded by kicking things off on Centre Court on Thursday.
Nerves were understandable, but Fearnley was more than holding his own with Djokovic struggling to find a way past his serve.
Novak Djokovic pointed towards the crowd
BBC
Djokovic showed exactly why he went 10 years without losing on Centre Court with two break points being enough for him to take a two-set lead.
But the Wimbledon crowd sensed an opportunity for Fearnley to prolong the match and cause an upset in the third.
The world No 277 was causing Djokovic all kinds of problems and got his first break of the match in the sixth game to send the Centre Court crowd wild.
There was then explosion of noise at the end of the third when Fearnley broke again to secure the set and force a fourth.
Djokovic appeared perturbed by something at the end of the third set and pointed in the direction of the stands.
Security were reportedly speaking to two spectators in the stands just behind where the players were sitting.
Djokovic was then heard talking to security and appeared to spot who was causing the commotion.
“It’s him. That guy. Get him,” he said.
Novak Djokovic beat Jacob Fearnley in four sets
REUTERS
“That guy there, the grey tracksuit just going down the stairs now.”
The seven-time Wimbledon champion was then heard asking the umpire why the person had not been kicked out.
It has been claimed that one person briefly left the court after speaking to security, but was allowed to return to his seat.
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Djokovic appeared uncomfortable at the start of the fourth set and Fearnley had a great opportunity to go a break up midway through.
But the 24-time Grand Slam champion held his nerve to come through the tricky challenge before knocking the British star out.
Djokovic now progresses to the third round where he will face Alexei Popyrin.