Novak Djokovic Is Now A Wimbledon Villain, Is Getting Booed At Just The Mention Of His Name

The fans at Wimbledon have turned on Novak Djokovic, his name can't even be mentioned without boos raining down at the All England Club.

The latest chapter added to the drama unfolding at this year's Grand Slam came courtesy of an interviewer simply asking Lorenzo Musetti a question about taking on Djokovic in the semifinals. 

As soon as the words ‘Novak Djokovic’ left the on-court interviewer's mouth, fans began booing and did so for a few seconds before Musetti could share his thoughts.

"I mean jokes aside he’s a legend especially – I mean everywhere but here in Wimbledon in the last years he made something really unthinkable for anything," the Italian said through the barrage of boos. "I had the chance to play against him a lot of times so we know each other pretty well. I’ll try my best, I try to put my 100 percent effort and let’s see what’s going to happen."

While it's surreal to hear so many fans booing Djokovic at just the mention of his name, all of this negativity was brought on by Djokovic himself.

During his straight-set win over Holger Rune earlier in the tournament, Djokovic was met with fans shouting "Ruuuune" when the 21-year-old would steal a point here and there. While fans were simply saying the last name of his opponent, Djokovic took offense to it.

During his post-match interview on the court, the Serb told the crowd to have a "goooood night" before bluntly calling fans out for disrespecting him throughout his victory. He went as far as to end the interview by telling the crowd "you guys can't touch me."

Shortly after his controversial comments on the court, Djokovic was asked about the situation during a sit-down interview with BBC. 

The reporter then asked if Djokovic felt that he got the respect that he deserved as a seven-time winner. of the tournament.

"As I said in the post-match interview, I think most of the people in the stadium were respectful and I thank them and know that after watching tennis all day it's not easy. I was thankful, I don't take it for granted, they are a big part of why I still play, the crowds who appreciate what we do and the effort we put in," Djokovic said. "When I feel that a crowd is stepping over the line, I react, I don't regret my words or actions on the court."

Djokovic was then asked a follow-up question about his interactions with the crowd and elected to give a quick answer before storming off of the set.

While Djokovic has long had plenty of support at Wimbledon, it's safe to assume he'll have plenty of vocal fans pulling against him when he takes on Musetti on Friday with a spot in the finals on the line.