Fact-check: Was Novak Djokovic booed by Wimbledon crowd during Lorenzo Musetti's on-court interview?

Following Novak Djokovic's controversial run-in with the crowd at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, it appears that the Serb hasn't endeared himself to the spectators at the All England Club. The animosity between Djokovic and the crowd at SW19 was on display during Lorenzo Musetti's on-court interview after his quarterfinal win, as a mere mention of the World No. 2 was subjected to boos.

While Djokovic was set to battle it out against Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals of the grasscourt Major, the World No. 2 advanced to the semifinals without stepping on court. Having picked up a hip injury in the final stages of his fourth-round clash against Arthur Fils, a "devastated" De Minaur announced his withdrawal prior to his clash against the Serb.

Lorenzo Musetti, on the other hand, faced a much tougher path to booking his place in the last four, engaging in a closely contested battle with Taylor Fritz. The Italian showcased his resilience, claiming a hard-fought 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 victory over Fritz to reach his maiden Grand Slam semifinal.

As Musetti delighted over his triumph in his on-court interview, the conversation turned to his anticipation regarding his blockbuster semifinal clash against Novak Djokovic. While several fans oohed over the prospect of the exciting matchup, a few noticeable boos also rang out across Court 1 at the mention of the seven-time Wimbledon champion's name.

It is unsurprising that a section of the crowd is unhappy with Djokovic, given that the 24-time Grand Slam champion had rebuked them for "disrespect" after his fourth-round win over Holger Rune.

Accusing the crowd of chanting Rune's name as an "excuse" to boo him, the 37-year-old mocked the hostile spectators with a sarcastic chant of "good night."

"I like to be challenged" - Lorenzo Musetti gears up for 'big fight' against Novak Djokovic in Wimbledon SF

Lorenzo Musetti (Source: Getty)

Despite the mixed reaction from the crowd at the mention of Novak Djokovic's name during his on-court interview, Lorenzo Musetti proceeded to hail the World No. 2 as a "legend" for his accomplishments at Wimbledon.

Drawing on his past experience of competing against the 24-time Grand Slam champion, Musetti disclosed that he is anticipating a "tough fight" for a place in the final. Nevertheless, the Italian emphasized his readiness to take on the challenge, expressing his intention to deliver his best effort.

"I had the chance to play against him a lot of times so we know each other pretty well. Always been a huge fight so I expect a big, big fight and I think it’s going to be one of the toughest challenge on tour but I’m an ambitious guy and I like to be challenged. I'll try my best, I try to put my 100 per cent effort and let’s see what’s going to happen," Musetti said.

Djokovic and Musetti have locked horns in six tour-level encounters, with the Serb enjoying a 5-1 lead in their head-to-head record. The World No. 2 claimed a narrow 7-5, 6-7(6), 2-6, 6-3, 6-0 win over the Italian in their most recent encounter at the 2024 French Open.