Former Olympian Kriss Akabusi issued a staunch defence of Wimbledon finalist Novak Djokovic on GB News.
The 37-year-old has a frosty relationship with the SW19 crowd and was booed by some as he celebrated his semi-final victory against Lorenzo Musetti.
After his fourth-round win over Holger Rune, Djokovic addressed the crowd directly in his post-match interview for what he perceived to be booing.
Speaking to Ben Leo and Ellie Costello, Akabusi, who previously competed in sprint events for Team GB at the Olympics, said he respects Djokovic for his principles.
Kriss Akabusi has stood up for Novak Djokovic
GB NEWS / PA
He was making reference to the Serb refusing to take the Covid-19 vaccine and admitting in 2022 that he would rather miss out on future tennis trophies than be forced to take the jab.
“No doubt, I will be supporting Djokovic [in the final]”, said Akabusi.
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“I love Djokovic. He stands up for what he believes in. He is not afraid to say ‘you may not like me, but I’m still winning’.”
Djokovic cruised through his semi-final clash with Musetti to set up a replay of last year’s final against Carlos Alcaraz.
The Spaniard came out on top on that occasion, but Djokovic will be looking to regain the crown he has won seven times before.
Djokovic’s achievement of reaching the final last year is made even more miraculous considering it came about just over five weeks after undergoing knee surgery.
Novak Djokovic’s popularity was discussed on GB News
GB NEWS
The world number three said it feels “surreal” to be a part of a blockbuster bout so soon after undergoing a serious procedure.
“It’s surreal in a way,” he said. “Coming into Wimbledon I wasn’t sure until three, four days before the tournament whether I’m going to take part in it.
“So I’m really, really happy to make the final because I was not thinking about, particularly in the first couple of matches, the eventual title match.
“I was just thinking about moving well, not injuring myself, to be honest, and feeling more free in my movement.
“That’s what happened I think in the third and particularly fourth round. I felt like, OK, I’m actually playing close to my best, and I can have a shot at the title.”
Musetti was left in no doubt that Djokovic is in fine physical shape.
“I feel a little bit sad about the match. But I have to say Nole I think played a really incredible match,” he said.
“He showed that he’s really in great shape – I think not only in tennis, but physically.”