'Disgraceful': Australian Open crowd ripped for booing Novak Djokovic

Zverev called out the Melbourne crowd for not showing empathy toward his opponent. The German World No. 2 also reminded the tennis world of Djokovic's contributions to the sport over two decades. 

Djokovic was bewildered by the reaction he received from a fanbase he had entertained for 20 years.

"I am doing my best to understand them, but I am not sure whether they understand me or if they even want to understand me," he said of the crowd booing him, via The Tennis Letter. "...I know how my body works, what I feel, and I know how much I've given to this tournament in the past 20-plus years. I will stop here, so that I don't continue (speaking) in the wrong direction."

Australian doubles legend Rennae Stubbs ripped the booing members of the crowd for their "disgraceful" act.

Djokovic and the Melbourne crowd have always shared a love-hate relationship despite him capturing a record 10 singles titles. In the four times he defeated Andy Murray (2010, 2011, 2013 and 2016), the crowd was firmly in the corner of the Scotsman. Similarly, Roger Federer was always more cheered during their five encounters (2007, 2008, 2011, 2016 and 2020), of which Djokovic won four. 

Djokovic was denied permission to play in the 2022 Australian Open due to his reluctance to get the COVID-19 vaccine. In the lead-up to this year's event, he said he still has "trauma" every time he lands in Australia due to the ordeal three years ago.

Perhaps the Melbourne crowd will exhibit more class if and when Djokovic returns for next year's slam. If he were to retire beforehand, they just blew an opportunity to bid him a proper goodbye.