"Carlos Alcaraz isn't taunting the crowd, Novak Djokovic was" - Fans distance Spaniard's celebration from Serb's 'bitter' gesture at Paris Olympics

The difference in reception for Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic's similar celebratory gestures at the 2024 Paris Olympics has sparked a discourse among tennis fans. Many of them have separated Alcaraz's celebration from the perceived negative intent associated with the Serb's.

Djokovic has taken a strong stride forward in his pursuit of an elusive Olympic gold medal, booking his place in the semifinals with a 6-3, 7-6(3) win over Stefanos Tsitsipas. En route to the last four, the Serb triumphed over arch-rival Rafael Nadal 6-1, 6-4 in the second round.

After securing a crucial break in the second set of his highly anticipated encounter against Nadal, the 24-time Grand Slam champion held his finger to his ear, seemingly gesturing that he could no longer hear the passionate cheers from the Spaniard's supporters.

Novak Djokovic faced harsh backlash for what was seen as a "classless" gesture. In response, a supporter of the Serb shared a picture of Carlos Alcaraz urging the crowd to cheer using the same gesture during his 6-3, 7-6(7) win over Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals.

The supporter revealed their intention to use the picture as ammunition against the 37-year-old's "haters."

"Bookmark this pic for when the haters use it against us," the fan posted.

However, other fans argued that there was a big difference between Carlos Alcaraz's gesture, which was intended as a celebratory interaction with the crowd, and Djokovic's action, which was perceived as a "bitter" attempt to "taunt" the audience.

"The difference is that he celebrates with the crowd, he doesn't taunt them. There you go," one fan commented.

"He’s not taunting the crowd, Novak was… big difference," another fan chimed in.

"Carlitos is beloved for his creative joyous play. Djoker bitterly bends his ear as a demand for more applause as he always feels he is a victim of hecklers. How a #1 champ remains so graceless, w/ a big chip on his shoulder- reinforcing why folks dislike him," said another.

Fans continued to distance Alcaraz's celebration from the Serb's, pointing out that while the Spaniard's gesture was met with louder cheers, the 24-time Grand Slam champion typically invoked more boos.

"That's why when Carlos does it the crowd applauds him louder and when Novak does it, they boo him. Because they detect the intention," one fan posted.

"Bookmark which one is more endearing and don’t forget to put the sound on. Carlos is loved and cheered. Novak is booed and disliked," another fan wrote.

"I don't care that Novak likes to antagonize the crowd or opponents, that's cool especially when he backs it up but Carlos is not antagonizing anyone with this gesture, he's celebrating with the crowd," said yet another.

Paris Olympics SF: Carlos Alcaraz to take on Felix Auger-Aliassime; Novak Djokovic faces Lorenzo Musetti

Carlos Alcaraz and the Serb (Source: Getty)

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will both be in action in the semifinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics, battling it out for spots in the all-important final. Alcaraz will take on Felix Auger-Aliassime, following the Canadian's 6-4, 6-7(8), 6-3 win over Casper Ruud.

Djokovic, meanwhile, will square off against Lorenzo Musetti, who ousted the defending gold medalist Alexander Zverev from the tournament with a 7-5, 7-5 victory in the quarterfinals.

If both Alcaraz and Djokovic triumph in their respective semifinal encounters, they will set the stage for a blockbuster final for the gold medal. The Serb will potentially have the opportunity to avenge his recent 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4) loss to the 21-year-old in the Wimbledon final.