And today we've seen it's worst possible manifestation. To those not in the know some idiot thought it would be a great idea to whistle during one of Djoko's ball tosses at 4-4 with Djoko serving at break point. He went on to lose the game and the first set.
Rains stopped play early on in the second set.
I backed Federer to win this, (even though I predicted Djoko to come through) purely because I think his confidence could do with getting to a final again.
And the funny thing is, up until that unfortunate incident both players were playing at an incredibly high level.
Each to their own, but I'm not a 'fan' of Federer or Nadal or anyone else for that matter in the hormonal teenage 'groupie' sense of the word. What I like is great tennis and box office personalities. I also admire hard work and gutsiness, even when it comes from players I'm not backing.
If I went on personality alone, I'd probably go with Nadal, Federer, Murray-Djoko (last two in equal measure). But what I dislike is when rabid fans like this get in the way of high quality competition.
I'm not suggesting that Federer wouldn't have taken that opening set had that Fed-worshipping dork not opened his/her big mouth (Federer was playing well enough and pressing hard enough).
What I do know, is it affected Djoko who wasn't the same from that point on. You could argue he should have it in him to get over it, and for what it's worth I think he did a pretty good job of containing his emotions.
Still hoping Federer comes through, but I'm almost backing Djoko to sneak the second set so we have a decider.
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