Novak Djokovic branded 'arrogant' and 'classless' after making gesture during Olympics win over Rafael Nadal
Novak Djokovic reacted to the noise inside Philippe Chatrier
EUROSPORT
Novak Djokovic has caused fury among Rafael Nadal fans for a gesture he made towards the end of their encounter at the Olympics on Monday.
The two tennis icons were facing off for the 60th time in their careers after both won their first-round matches.
It was always going to be an uphill battle for Nadal, who has strongly indicated that he will be retiring this year.
Djokovic is still seen as one of the best players on the tour and is currently ranked No 2 in the world.
The difference was clear to see in the opening set as Djokovic raced to a convincing 6-1 lead.
Novak Djokovic reacted to the noise inside Philippe Chatrier
EUROSPORT
The spectators inside Philippe Chatrier were fully behind Nadal in trying to prolong his Olympics singles career, but Djokovic was doing everything to silence them.
He led 4-0 in the second set before Nadal pulled off a remarkable comeback to bring the match level at 4-4.
The partisan crowd were on their feet after Nadal wiped out the double break, but Djokovic held his nerve to break back immediately in the very next game.
He then raised his finger to his ear while walking back to his chair to seemingly taunt Nadal's supporters.
Djokovic then served out for the match as the two long-time rivals embraced each other at the net.
But shared warm words about one another after the match, but Djokovic's gesture at the end of the match infuriated some viewers.
One spectator wrote: "What is the most arrogant, arrogant, annoying and sour guy in all of history. That he is the best at playing, is a debate where I will never enter, because for me he is not, but his attitude is simply unacceptable to me."
Another person moaned: "He will never have class or the respect and affection of the public, he reaps what he sows, I hope he does not win gold, he does not represent the Olympic values."
A third mockingly said: "He will never overcome the envy he has of Roger and Rafa, he may be the one who has won the most GS but to be a legend you have to have class and values that he will never have."
Novak Djokovic was up against a rowdy crowd
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One other message read: "Djokovic has always been quite unsportsmanlike when he is losing, simulating injuries, fighting with his team or making gestures like that to the public. That's why he will be one of the best tennis players in history, but he will never be at the level of Nadal or Federer."
Another posted: "This guy may be very good and all, but people don't like him and it's precisely because he never matured and behaved like a gentleman."
However, some felt Djokovic was well within his rights to react the way he did due to the reception he received from the crowd inside Court Philippe Chatrier.
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Rafael Nadal had the majority of the support in their second-round match
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One person said: "All game enduring boos, he is quiet until he wins the most important game of the game. It is something normal and I would say necessary, it provides show and emotion."
Another posted: "They spent their time making noise on their serves, and booing him. It was ok."
A third wrote: "It's your way of thanking your fuel source. Normal."