Djok: Show me respect
NOVAK ANGER OVER CROWD JIBES IN SEMI
NOVAK DJOKOVIC is fuming over the lack of respect he gets from the Wimbledon crowd.
A source close to the Serbian’s camp confirmed they were “very angry” with behaviour towards the world No. 1 during his semi-final win.
Djokovic, who today bids for his 16th Grand Slam triumph and fourth Wimbledon title, beat Roberto Bautista Agut on Friday to book his place in the final against Roger Federer.
But there were several moments where he was rattled by the Centre Court crowd. When the top seed sat down after losing the second set he sarcastically urged the supporters to cheer even louder for the Spanish underdog.
And then after saving a break point in the third set following an incredible 45-shot rally – the longest since records began at the Championships – Djokovic put his finger over his mouth to tell the crowd to keep quiet.
An insider said: “Novak’s box were really very angry and upset at the way some fans were cheering his mistakes.
“They just feel he deserves greater respect as a competitor. This doesn’t happen to other top players in the game.”
With second seed Federer on the other side of the net this afternoon, Djokovic and his entourage will be bracing themselves for an even more torrid time.
Fed fanatics are unlikely to show him any mercy as their veteran Swiss hero, 37, looks to secure his ninth Wimbledon title.
Defending champion Djokovic said: “I know what to expect. It’s not the first time I’ve played Federer on Centre Court.
“I’m going out there to fight – and give it my all.”
Federer (above) turns 38 next month – and nobody but the Swiss has yet won the tournament in the open era past the age of 31.
A ninth Wimbledon title would certainly be something to shout about against a player who has beaten Federer in their last two meetings.
Federer said: “Whether it is Novak Djokovic or somebody else, a final is a final. Your opponent in a final deserves to be taken seriously and especially Novak because he is playing brilliantly.”