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Spectator Ejected from Novak Djokovic Miami Open Match After Heckling Incident
During the Miami Open semi-final clash between Novak Djokovic and Grigor Dimitrov, officials were compelled to take immediate action, ejecting a disruptive spectator after merely three games. Dimitrov displayed irritation early in the first set, prompting the chair umpire to intervene and request the removal of a front-row individual during the changeover.
Fan Removed Following Dimitrov Complaint
Commentators verified the spectator’s removal from the stadium and pondered whether a second individual also warranted ejection. This episode follows a recent incident involving Iga Swiatek, who reportedly received enhanced security after experiencing spectator harassment during a practice session earlier in the week.
Dimitrov’s Pursuit of Final Spot Disrupted
Grigor Dimitrov, a finalist at the previous year’s Miami Open, was aiming to secure a place in the final round for the second consecutive year. However, he faced a formidable challenge in the semi-finals against Djokovic, an opponent he had overcome only once in their previous 13 encounters.
Windy conditions in Miami appeared to contribute to early difficulties, with both players exchanging breaks of serve in the initial two games. As Djokovic prepared to serve with the score at 1-1, Dimitrov suddenly became agitated by an off-court disturbance and seemed to confront someone in the crowd.
Umpire Intervention and Confirmation of Heckler
Chair umpire Greg Allensworth promptly recognised the disruption and approached the area, contacting ATP Tour supervisor Gerry Armstrong via radio. “Gerry, Gerry, I need someone removed from the stands now,” he communicated.
Sky Sports commentator Jonathan Overend noted, “Okay, so there’s a heckler here that needs to be removed. Clearly something has provoked Dimitrov.”
Spectator Identified and Removed During Changeover
Allensworth informed Dimitrov that security personnel were en route. Further radio communication confirmed the location: “On the changeover, it’s in the front row.”
Play soon resumed, but co-commentator Colin Fleming expressed disapproval of the spectator. “Why would you attend this match, secure a front-row seat, and then heckle a player? I simply don’t comprehend that mentality. It is unacceptable. We are witnessing it with increasing frequency in tennis, and across various sports,” he commented.
Djokovic subsequently held serve to take a 2-1 lead, and players proceeded to the benches for the first changeover. Commentators then confirmed that the disruptive “heckler” had been escorted from the premises.
Overend elaborated, “Dimitrov is not only contending with arguably the greatest player of all time but also what seems to be more than one disruptive spectator situated in the front row.”
He added, “One individual has been removed, we understand, already, but umpire Greg Allensworth radioed through during the sit-down indicating another person, identifiable by their attire, is still causing issues.”
Djokovic Advances, Spectator Incident Lingers
The spectator incident seemingly affected the 14th seed Dimitrov, as Djokovic dominated the first set, securing a 6-2 victory after breaking Dimitrov’s serve three times. Djokovic ultimately prevailed with a 6-2, 6-3 win.
Swiatek Incident Precedes Miami Open Heckling
This Miami Open spectator issue is not isolated. Recently, footage emerged of a man verbally abusing WTA No. 2 Iga Swiatek during a practice session.
Increased Security for Swiatek Following Harassment
A representative from Swiatek’s team later told Super Express Sport about enhanced security measures implemented for the player. “We are attentive to these types of situations. Constructive criticism is acceptable; however, threats, hate speech, or disruptions to the team are unacceptable and must be prevented,” stated the Polish player’s PR manager.
The representative added, “We reported the matter to both the tournament organisers and the WTA, who responded promptly and implemented additional safeguards, including heightened security, for which we are very appreciative. Ensuring athlete safety is paramount.”