Novak Djokovic has immortalized his name in tennis history, of course. But while doing so, he had to pass through daily bouts of hatred. His affair with hate is as long as his tennis career. In a recently released WSN report, the Serbian topped the list of getting the most hate reactions on his social media. While Djokovic has been bullied online, this hatred is visible in the real world as well.

The Serbian star was booed during his French Open match against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Friday. Djokovic maintained his cool and tried to show the viewers that it doesn’t worry him. But he got support from unexpected quarters. Former American tennis star and Eurosport analyst John McEnroe questioned the behavior of the crowd in support of the World No 3.

As the crowd booed, Novak Djokovic clapped!

Djokovic passionately celebrated after Alejandro Davidovich Fokina was proving to be quite tough for him. It was when the star was getting a medical timeout that the odd reaction of the crowd started. At this time, Fokina was also taking a bathroom break.

John McEnroe, who was famed for his emotional outbursts as a player, questioned the behavior of the viewers. He felt the reaction to be inappropriate on legal and moral grounds. While commentating on Eurosport, McEnroe asked, “Why do they boo?”.

He further added, “Everyone does it [take a medical time-out]. It’s totally legal, you’re allowed to work and rub his legs! Where’s Davidoch (Davidovich) Fokina? He’s off to the bathroom. I totally get his reaction. Are you kidding me? Are you going to boo for this? The other guy’s not even on the court! Change the rules if you don’t want to let a guy get worked on, but don’t start doing that. It’s absurd!”

Djokovic on taming the hatred

While the crowd booed at Djokovic, he signaled with his hands, encouraging them to carry on. He later clapped for the crowd in a show of strength. He gave the appearance of being unfazed by the negativity.

But McEnroe found the behavior of the crowd completely unreasonable, as reported by Eurosport. He went on to add how Djokovic has faced negativity all his life. Furthermore, he analyzed how the 22 Grand Slam title winner used this negativity to push himself forward.

Read More: Novak Djokovic’s Logo – Meaning And Significance

Journalists recently asked the ‘Djoker’ about the online hatred he receives. He described how ‘hate is there for the greats’. While condemning the monstrosity of hate, he also revealed that it doesn’t bother him.

Do you think the Serbian tennis legend gets unfairly criticized?

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