July 13th 2024.
Novak Djokovic wasn't happy with the way the Centre Court crowd treated him after his semi-final win over Lorenzo Musetti at Wimbledon. It wasn't the first time he was booed on that court this year, as he was also targeted during his match against Holger Rune. The 7-time champion couldn't understand why the spectators were showing him such disrespect, and he took the opportunity to voice his frustration in an on-court speech. He even bragged that he was untouchable, storming out of an awkward BBC interview when asked about the disrespectful fans and his opponent's popularity. The comparisons to Darth Vader by John McEnroe only added to the confusion as to why the British crowds kept booing Djokovic at the All England Club.
The confusion continued after Djokovic's victory over Musetti when he played his tennis racket like a violin in celebration. It was a tribute to his daughter, who is currently learning to play the instrument. However, the crowd misunderstood his actions and thought he was taunting them. John McEnroe, Nick Kyrgios, and Andrew Castle discussed the booing on the BBC, with Kyrgios suggesting that the crowd thought Djokovic was making fun of them. But McEnroe and Kyrgios both agreed that even if he was, he deserved to do so. It was an easy mistake to make, as the chants of "Ruuuuuuune" sounded a lot like "boooooooo." Some fans even used their support for the Dane as a sly way to disrespect Djokovic. It was a disappointing display of sportsmanship from some spectators, and Djokovic couldn't help but address it in his post-match interview.
Djokovic was not the favorite among the British crowds, who still remember his rivalry with Andy Murray, the true sweetheart of SW19. The emotional send-off for Murray this year only added to the animosity towards Djokovic, who was also the nemesis of his fellow Big Three stars, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. All three of them are adored in Britain, making Djokovic the odd one out. He became the antagonist in their hero's journey, and the crowds couldn't help but boo him. John Lloyd believes that Djokovic may get annoyed by this, as he is not as popular as Federer and Nadal, and it's not easy for anyone to be.
There are many reasons why Djokovic is not as beloved by the British crowds as his peers. Some dislike him because he comes from a non-western country, while others find his attitude and behavior on court to be arrogant. Djokovic's passion and unapologetic desire to be the best have earned him the reputation of an arrogant p**** among some. His on-court behavior, such as picking fights with fans and umpires, has also been criticized. Even Rafael Nadal's uncle has called Djokovic's antics "complicated." But Djokovic has never shied away from his desire to become the greatest tennis player ever, and he will continue to motivate himself in any way he can. This may rub some people the wrong way, but it's all part of his competitive nature. Despite the criticism, Djokovic remains a fierce competitor and a true champion on the court.
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