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Novak Djokovic in brutal crowd taunt after shock defeat at ATP Finals

The 24-time grand slam champion wasn't impressed with the Italian crowd.

riley morgan
Sports Reporter
·4-min read
Novak Djokovic gestures to the crowd and Djokovic walks off the court.
Novak Djokovic (pictured) taunted the crowd in his loss to Jannik Sinner in the ATP Finals. (Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic has caught the ire of the Italian crowd in Turin having taunted them as they booed the 24-time grand slam champion in his loss to Jannik Sinner. Italian home favourite Sinner played one of the best matches this year to defeat Djokovic in three-sets and lead the group in the ATP Finals.

Having won both his clashes, with one against Holger Rune ahead, Sinner could fancy his chances in Turin. While the 22-year-old was thrilled to come away with the victory, Djokovic became frustrated with the crowd cheering on the home favourite.

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And this saw him orchestrate some boos during a changeover. In the first set, Djokovic served a double fault and the crowd cheered for Sinner.

This clearly frustrated Djokovic on his own serve. And the 36-year-old champion mockingly applauded the crowd for their etiquette.

During the changeover, Djokovic was then seen gesturing to the crowd to get louder as they booed him. Sinner went on to win the match in an electric atmosphere.

Novak Djokovic taunting the crowd.
Novak Djokovic (pictured) attempted to stir up the crowd during his loss to Jannik Sinner at the ATP Finals. (Photo by Tullio Puglia/Getty Images)

The Italian was thrilled with the win and thanked the crowd for getting behind him against the World No.1 and three-time grand slam champ in 2023. "There doesn't exist a better place to beat the world No.1," Sinner said in front of the adoring crowd, who interrupted with "Olé, Olé, Olé Olé, Sin-ner, Sin-ner."

"After Wimbledon I said I felt a bit closer but I didn't even win a set. Here I managed to play the most important points in the best way. There was a bit of tension when I lost the second set, it was very hard, but together with you (the crowd) we won together." While the Serbian remained calm during the crowd frenzy, fans on social media pointed out the drama with many divided over Djokovic's gesture and how the crowd reacted.

Jannik Sinner enjoying brilliant 2023 season

Sinner was knocked out in straight sets to Djokovic at Wimbledon this year, but the level of his game had many believing he could take it to the next level. The 22-year-old has won four titles this year, including the Toronto Masters.

The Italian is facing Rune in the final group stage clash with a win guaranteeing him top position. He will be in contention to play Daniil Medvedev, Carlos Alcaraz, Andrey Rublev or Alexander Zverev in the next stage.

Alcaraz will have a big mountain to climb having lost his opening clash against Zverev in the other group. This marked his third straight loss in consecutive tournaments, following a drop in form after the US Open.

The 21-year-old faces Rublev in the next match with both needing a victory to remain alive in the group.

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