Wednesday 8 July 2015 21:57, UK
Novak Djokovic apologised to the Wimbledon ball girl he had shouted at on Tuesday following his quarter-final victory over Marin Cilic.
Defending champion Djokovic eased past Cilic 6-4 6-4 6-4 to set up a last-four meeting with Richard Gasquet, then sought out the girl at whom he yelled "Towel!" when completing his fourth-round win over Kevin Anderson.
Djokovic said his apology was accepted, insisting he values the work of ball boys and girls at top tennis tournaments.
"I spoke to her and we cleared the air; she didn't mind at all," said the Serb.
"I've talked with the girl and she said she didn't mind. We cleared it up, I apologised if it was anything that I did.
"But, again, I didn't direct anything to her. It was in a moment of a battle. I turned around and screamed.
"I was a ball kid myself, I respect them. I respect line umpires, the chair umpire, everybody who is there.
"Sometimes in a moment of battle on the court you get your emotions out, but never on the ball kid.
"It appeared like that. But as I said, I spoke to her and we cleared the air. She didn't mind at all.
"I respect them a lot. I try to be grateful for what they're doing, as well.
"I try always to chat with them before or after the match, give them an item that they appreciate as a souvenir, a towel, a wristband or something like this.
"I know how much it means to them. They're all teenagers, kids. They're overwhelmed by the importance of the tournament, how big the stage is.
"To be able to share the court with tennis idols, many of them are tennis players, they dream to be on the same court but with a racquet in hand.
"Having to know that allows me to really appreciate their position in tennis."
