Novak Djokovic was again booed at Wimbledon during his easy win over Lorenzo Musetti, with the Serbian champion mocking crowd members late in the straight sets win.
The 24-time major winner will feature in his 37th grand slam final when he takes on Carlos Alcaraz for the second year in a row after playing superbly to defeat Musetti 6-5 7-6 (2) 6-4 in 2hr 48min.
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It was a huge feat for Djokovic considering he underwent surgery on his knee just over three weeks ago, and is just one match away from becoming a 25-time grand slam singles titleholder, which would surpass Australia’s Margaret Court.
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Djokovic is two grand slams clear of Rafael Nadal now but he said he thought his chances of competing were doomed a month ago.
“There was plenty of doubt,” he said.
“Coming into London about eight days before the tournament, I didn’t know whether I would be part of the tournament or not. I was keeping everything open until the day of the draw, really.
Novak Djokovic mocks the crowd. Nine
“I said before the tournament that I felt if I did not have a chance to go deep in the tournament, I probably wouldn’t be playing. I don’t want to stop here. Hopefully I will get my hands on that trophy on Sunday.”
Things were quite tame from the crowd during most of the clash, yet it spiced up late when early in the third set, one fan yelled, “We love you Novak.” In response, another yelled, “No, we don’t.”
When Musetti saved three match points at 3-5 and held a break point in the next game as he tried stay alive, the crowd began chanting “Lorenzo”.
Djokovic’s resolve hardened from that point and when he saved the potential break, he taunted a fan in the stands by mocking fake tears rolling down his face.
He then again produced the violin after clinching a straight sets win, some members of the crowd reacted to the prolonged taunting.
Djokovic has said the violin celebration is a gesture towards his daughter Tara.
Afterwards, Djokovic was asked on the court about what enables him to perform at an incredibly high level into his mi-thirties.
“Everyone wants to have that secret potion or that formula for success, or what that one thing is that defines a champion … to allow you to be the best at what you do and to stay there for as long as you can,” he said.
“I am more a fan of smart work and, in my case at least, what has worked. Adversity and things that don’t come easy your way, especially at the beginning, is something that defines your character.”