Novak Djokovic booed yet again by Wimbledon crowd as he seals Carlos Alcaraz rematch
Kevin Palmer 12 Jul 2024 8:44 PM
Novak Djokovic asks for a cheer from the Centre Court crowd
Novak Djokovic asks for a cheer from the Centre Court crowd
Novak Djokovic’s tense relationship with Wimbledon’s Centre Court crowd continued as he cruised into another final at the All England Club.
Djokovic set up a blockbuster repeat of last year’s Wimbledon final against Carlos Alcaraz after swatting aside Lorenzo Musetti.
The seven-time champion let his tennis do the talking with a comprehensive 6-4 7-6 (2) 6-4 semi-final win in two hours and 48 minutes.
The match started amid a strange atmosphere as most of the Centre Court was empty as fans stepped out for a break following the Carlos Alcaraz vs Daniil Medvedev semi-final.
When the fans returned, there was only muted applause for Djokovic’s winning shots and mid-way through the first set, he raised his arms and asked for some support after a thrilling rally.
At one stage a Centre Court joker yelled out “gooood night”, mocking Djokovic’s post-match swipe at the crowd for their perceived booing following his fourth-round win over Holger Rune.
Ad
But the 37-year-old did not give any rowdy spectators the chance to get under his skin this time as he booked a revenge mission against the young Spaniard who captured his title 12 months ago.
“During the match it’s business time, trying to outplay your opponent,” he said.
“I’m very happy to be in another final but I don’t want to stop here. Hopefully I’ll get my hands on that trophy.
“Everyone wants to have that secret potion or the formula of success – there is no such thing.
“There is no secret, we have heard so many athletes talk about hard work, but I am a fan of smart work.
“I have seen some of the incredible champions in the last 50 years in different sports, I think have a lot of similarities with my journey and with the adversity – the stuff that doesn’t come easy and your way.
“It is something that defines you character and strengthens your will.
“I have team members, but I have to find solutions out on the court. If you have a bad day you’re out of the tournament.”
Ad
There were curious scenes at the end of the match as Djokovic ‘played’ his racket like a violin, much to the delight of his young daughter in the players’ box.
Yet that move was greeted with booed by large sections of the Centre Court crowd in what was a chaotic end to the match.
Novak Djokovic strongly defended in Wimbledon crowd row and labelled the GOAT by WTA legend
Djokovic went on to offer up some kind words for his big rival Alcaraz, as he prepares for a rematch of last year’s epic final on Sunday.
“He is a great example as a young player that has a well balanced life on and off the court. He has great values in his family a lot of charisma,” added Djokovic.
“He is deservedly one of the greatest 21-year-olds we have seen in this sport. We will
see a lot of him in the future no doubt.
so
Leave a Reply