Novak Djokovic pictured in action against Lorenzo Musetti at Wimbledon 2024
Novak Djokovic did everything he could to get fans back on side (Picture: Getty)

Novak Djokovic demanded ‘appreciation’ from the Wimbledon crowd during his win over Lorenzo Musetti before he faced more boos, says Greg Rusedski.

Djokovic has been a pure pantomime villain at this year’s Championships, shushing the Centre Court crowd as he knocked out Britain’s Jacob Fearnley.

The Serbian was then booed during his win over Holger Rune in the last 16 before slamming fans in an angry on-court interview, feeling he’d been ‘disrespected’.

Djokovic faced more booing after he eliminated Musetti in the semi-finals on Friday with some spectators feeling the 37-year-old had goaded them with his violin celebration.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion has never been as popular as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray in SW19 – and during his match against Musetti – Djokovic did everything he could to get the British crowd on his side.

At one point in the first set, Djokovic won a 26-shot rally and secured a break with an impressive volley, throwing his arms out to demand applause from the fans.

As he stood like somewhat of a conductor mid-court, waving his arms to the side, all those in Djokovic’s players’ box rose to their feet to do what their man wished.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates winning match point, with a violin gesture, against Lorenzo Musetti
Novak Djokovic was booed on Centre Court as he celebrated victory (Picture: Getty)

‘Novak Djokovic gets his arms up to the crowd, he wants the appreciation,’ Former British No.1 Rusedski said on commentary duties for the BBC.

That appreciation did not appear to come, though, as one fan tried to put him off as he served out for the win in the third set.

‘Please do not call out during shots,’ the umpire was forced to tell the crowd as Djokovic glared at the fan and shook his head.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia addresses the crowd on Centre Court following victory against Holger Rune of Denmark
Novak Djokovic slammed the British crowd for ‘disrespect’ on Monday (Picture: Getty)

Djokovic decided to celebrate his straight-sets win by playing his tennis racket like a violin, which resulted in loud booing from a crowd who felt they were goaded.

‘Why are people booing?’ John McEnroe said on the BBC. ‘I have no idea,’ Nick Kyrgios added.

‘Because they think that he is making fun of them… But he’s not. Or is he?’ Andrew Castle said.

‘No, he’s not,’ Kyrgios replied. ‘Even if he was… he would deserve [to do] it,’ McEnroe added.

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