Novak Djokovic has hit the headlines at Wimbledon for more reasons than one, stealing the spotlight both on and off the court.
On the iconic grass courts at the All England Club, the seven-time champion is into yet another semi-final at SW19.
But he drew the ire of many on Centre Court on his route to the last four, with Djokovic speaking out against the crowd after his win over Holger Rune.
The Serbian eased past the Dane in straight sets, with the former then claiming in his post-match interview that the crowd had elongated the latter’s surname in an attempt to boo him.
It has caused quite a stir at Wimbledon, with tennis icon John McEnroe jumping to the defence of Djokovic.
Sam Querrey makes Novak Djokovic claim after his Wimbledon comments
Injured star Nick Kyrgios meanwhile warned the All England Club crowd that Djokovic thrives off such circumstances.
Former Wimbledon semi-finalist Sam Querrey has now joined the discussion, sharing his thoughts on The French Connection.
“I loved it,” said Querrey. “I loved him addressing the crowd. I know people say Rune and I’m sure there is a small amount of people who might be booing Novak Djokovic too, because they know it gets under his skin, but I love the authenticity of the reply on Centre Court.
“You don’t get that from tennis players or any athlete too often, where they just go on a rant about ‘this is what is on my mind and I have played in more hostile environments than this, nobody is stopping me.’
“I think he is embracing it. I think he doesn’t care if people aren’t cheering for him. I think everyone still respects him that he’s so great and is such an amazing champion. But I loved it, it was fun to watch.”
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Djokovic will have had many different motivators going into this year’s tournament, one of which would have been proving those wrong about his physical state.
The Serbian was a major doubt for the Grand Slam due to his serious knee injury, but recovered just in time to play in London.
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Djokovic would have also had revenge on his mind, having lost last year’s Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz, with a rematch on the cards this year.
And the seven-time champion is still seeking to equal Roger Federer’s stunning record at the All England Club.
The Swiss legend sits atop the titles leaderboard with eight, with Djokovic just one behind his former rival on seven.
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