Novak Djokovic has promised to deliver a "juicy answer" to any heckler who crosses the line during his matches after being targeted by a handful of people at the Australian Open.
The Serbian icon has dealt with abuse from the stands throughout his career all over the world.
Some have suggested that Djokovic doesn't help himself on occasions by reacting to the heckles.
But the world No 1 has admitted on a regular basis that there's only so much he can take on court before feeling the need to retaliate.
Novak Djokovic has hit back at hecklers this week
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One spectator this week got the full brunt of Djokovic's ire as the 24-time Grand Slam champion furiously pointed at the member in the audience of his match against Alexei Popyrin and demanded they "say it to my face".
Djokovic was heckled again in the following match with a spectator heard yelling "get vaccinated" just as the tennis icon was serving for match point.
The 36-year-old has found a way to block out most of the noise against him while playing, but admits that anybody who crosses the line will get a response.
"I remember the irritating ones more, to be honest," he said.
"There are comments both from our country and from abroad regarding the duration of the match, that they should have dinner, that they should go for a beer and the like.
"It might be a little irritating, but it's not terrible. On the other hand, it happened many times that I received insults. That is another story."
Djokovic added that he didn't want to repeat the kind of insults he receives to the media in the Serbian section of his press conference.
"I don't want to, I don't want to, I don't want to say swear words to you, to repeat them here," he added.
"Of course they curse, especially at evening matches, when people drink all day, then they come.
"I'm not their favorite player, and try to distract me in every way.
"If they fail in that, then they cross the line, allow themselves too much and that's it.
Novak Djokovic spoke about his abuse to Serbian media
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"There was a video from the last match against Popyrin, when I was expressively happy after winning the match.
"At the last moment, the camera caught what I said 'juicily'.
"I don't like to say it, of course, but whoever deserves it will get such a juicy answer."
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Novak Djokovic has had to contend with hecklers throughout his career
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After struggling in his opening two matches of the tournament, Djokovic appeared close to his best against Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
He now faces Frenchman Adrian Mannarino for a place in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.
Djokovic remains on course to face Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in the final, who has looked comfortable so far in his first three matches of the tournament.
