Novak Djokovic refused to judge and criticize fans for the high-energy atmosphere they created during the Serb’s fourth-round outing against Jack Draper at the 2026 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Earlier in the tournament, fans’ behavior at the tournament had raised eyebrows, with one heckling Jannik Sinner during the Italian’s match against Joao Fonseca and others booing a chair umpire during Elena Rybakina’s clash against Sonay Kartal.
The excitement and tension were palpable throughout the three-set thriller between Djokovic and Draper, which took place on Stadium Court 1 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Passionate fans in the stands frequently let themselves be heard during the gruelling encounter, which ended with defending champion Draper defeating the former five-time winner of the event 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(5).
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Later, empathizing with the fans’ behavior, the former World No. 1 and 24-time Major champion said at his post-match press conference:
“I don’t know. I don’t know what kind of situation you’re referring to, but, I mean, it was several — it is what it is. It’s excitement from the crowd, as well. I mean, I understand that people sometimes in heat of the moment, in the battle, like the one tonight, get excited during the point, and, you know, maybe between the points and — yeah, they just excited. I don’t judge, criticize anybody.”
Going on to briefly touch on the gripping nature of the match and how it captured the audience’s attention, Novak Djokovic added:
“It was an incredible match to be part of on the court, and also, I’m sure, for the people watching in the stadium.”
Novak Djokovic lays bare feeling of ‘bitterness’ after loss to Jack Draper at Indian Wells 2026
Later on in the same press conference, Djokovic reflected on the loss to Draper that dashed the Serb’s hopes at Indian Wells this year. The 38-year-old conceded that the defeat was hard for him to come to terms with, given the incredibly tight nature of the contest. However, he sounded positive about giving it a good go before the British defending champion ultimately prevailed.
“Bitter feeling right now, losing a match like this. But proud of myself for fighting and really giving it all on the court. That’s for sure. That’s the one thing that I’ll take as a highlight, you know, just the fact of not giving up and trying,” the 101-time career singles titlist said.
The World No. 3 is set to feature at the Miami Open next, with the second event of the ‘Sunshine Double’ slated to commence a few days after Indian Wells‘ conclusion.
Edited by Sudipto Pati