Novak Djokovic picked a fight with the umpire and the Centre Court crowd as he surged into a fifth consecutive Wimbledon final.
The seven-time champion beat Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 to set up the contest the tennis world has been dreaming of against 20-year-old Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz.
Towards the end of a tense second set, Djokovic was docked a point for ‘hindrance’ by umpire Richard Haigh after a loud and extended grunt.
Then, when he was on the brink of losing the set, the Serb became irate at spectators calling out between his serves. As he surged back to take the set he taunted the crowd by sarcastically applauding, cupping his ear towards them and wiping away mock tears.
Asked about his feelings towards the crowd, he replied: ‘All love. It’s all love and acceptance.’
He was more forthcoming about the umpire’s hindrance call.
‘It could have changed the match,’ he said. ‘I felt really nervous after that but managed to regroup. It was the first time in my career that happened, I don’t normally have an extended grunt — maybe it was an echo from the roof! I didn’t feel I was causing any hindrance.
‘I had to try very hard to hold things together, even though I was really upset because I didn’t think it was the right call.’
In the same game, Haigh also gave Djokovic a time violation for taking too long to serve.
‘In a game where he already gave me a hindrance, where it’s a close game, rallies, I feel the umpire should recognise the moment a little bit more,’ the 36-year-old said.
On the mouth-watering final with Alcaraz, he added: ‘It’s going to be a great challenge, the greatest challenge I could have at the moment from any angle — physical, mental and emotional.
‘He can do pretty much anything on court. He’s very motivated. He’s young, he’s hungry. I’m hungry too, so let’s have a feast.’
Alcaraz, who beat Daniil Medvedev in straight sets, said: ‘It’s going to be a really tough challenge for me but I am ready.
‘It’s a final, it’s not time to be afraid, it’s not time to be tired. I’m going to go for it. I believe I can beat him.
‘This is a dream for me to play a final at Wimbledon. I’m going to enjoy this amazing moment.’
Novak Djokovic jokingly hit out and mocked the Wimbledon crowd as he beat Jannik Sinner to book his ninth Wimbledon final.
Djokovic, who hasn’t suffered defeat on Centre Court since losing to Andy Murray in 2013’s Final, beat Sinner 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 but played the pantomime villain for the majority of the contest as the Wimbledon crowd cheered on the Italian.
For most of the match the fans favoured Djokovic’s young opponent, and the Serb responded in typical fashion by taking the first two sets, and then wound-up the crowd by cupping his ear as dominated proceedings.
However, as Sinner fought his way back into the match during the third set, the crowd’s support intensified – much to the chagrin of the seven-time Wimbledon champ.
So much so, that after Sinner had squandered a 40-15 lead at 5-4 in the third set, Djokovic turned the game around to take the set into a tie break and then responded to the crowds disappointment with a crying gesture to the fans in SW19.
Novak Djokovic pretends to cry as he mocks the Wimbledon crowd for cheering his opponent
The Serb spent the match battling with the fans in SW19 as he booked his place in the final
Centre Court were right behind young Italian Jannik Sinner in the semi-final at Wimbledon
The moment was done in good humour, however the man looking to draw level with Roger Federer with an eighth Wimbledon win this year, has never received the same adulation from the Wimbledon crowd like the Swiss star did – nor Rafael Nadal.
Djokovic has often spilt the crowd at the annual UK Slam, and it was the same mixed response on social media from those watching his gestures to the crowd.
Taking to social media one fan said: ‘How unpleasant Djokovic is being. Crowd are allowed to support someone else. Go Sinner!’
While another made their opinion of one the game’s greatest ever players clear by stating: ‘Is there a bigger p***k in sport than Djokovic?’
However, as always there were some who felt the exact opposite and revelled in the way Djokovic was behaving.
‘Love how Djokovic is making fun of jerks in the audience.’ Said one fan, followed by a bunch of laughing emojis.
There were mixed reactions on social media to the behaviour of Djokovic on Centre Court
The crowd made-up with the Serbian as he beat Sinner in straight sets and reach the final
His relationship was however, best summed up by a tweet by journalist James Gray, who commented on Djokovic’s actions on Centre court as ‘Novak Djokovic vs the Wimbledon crowd part 4317’ .
Upon winning the game, the crowd and the 36-year-old seemed to have made peace with each other, as he was given a rapturous ovation as be secured a place in another Grand Slam Final.
Djokovic will next step out on Centre Court on Sunday when he looks to make more history at Wimbledon against either Carlos Alcaraz or Daniel Medvedev.
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