Novak Djokovic was handed a code violation warning during the third set of his Wimbledon fourth round clash with Roman Safiullin. The Serbian icon fought back from 2-5 down in the first set to claim it via a tiebreak, before appearing on course to cruise towards victory after establishing a two-set advantage over the Russian qualifier.
Djokovic's Outburst and Code Violation
However, the No. 7 seed was broken early in the third set and seemed to yell "bulls***" along with another word in Serbian. This prompted chair umpire Timo Janzen to intervene and remind the former champ of his responsibilities. "Code violation, audible obscenity, warning, Mr. Djokovic," the official announced to Djokovic and the Centre Court crowd.
John McEnroe, who was providing live BBC commentary on the match, appeared baffled as he struggled to identify what Djokovic had said, assuming it was entirely in his native tongue. "He's working on that code... When you hear another language, it immediately goes to your native tongue. I'd love to know what he was just saying. Apparently the umpire knows," the American tennis legend said.
Djokovic's Reaction and Comeback
Djokovic accepted the code violation without protest and showed no reaction. "There was no complaint from Djokovic, so," Tim Henman added during the BBC's live coverage. The brief moment of frustration appeared to galvanise the seven-time former champion. Safiullin produced a careless game, and Djokovic took advantage, swiftly earning break points of his own and smashing a forehand winner to immediately break back.
As the 39-year-old made his way to his chair during the changeover, McEnroe observed that Djokovic appeared to have been ignited by his brief outburst. "Djokovic let it out, got a warning, and just capitalised immediately. Got his mojo back," he said.
Safiullin's Fightback
Safiullin began to struggle as the third set progressed, with the gruelling match seemingly taking its toll. The world No. 132 required an on-court medical timeout while leading 3-2 but eventually found another gear to win the set and prolong the match. Although Djokovic appeared to have rediscovered his form, Henman and McEnroe were unconvinced he was content. "You sense he's frustrated, he's distracted," Henman remarked. The American replied: "Just wants to get through this."
Their doubts proved well-founded, as the No. 7 seed found himself 0-40 down on his serve following Safiullin's medical timeout. Djokovic produced some powerful serves and winners to claw his way back to deuce, but the qualifier managed to convert his sixth break point when the 39-year-old committed a crucial unforced error. Djokovic then angrily smashed a ball away in sheer frustration.
