"Rafael Nadal would never acknowledge a fan who trash talks players" - Fans shocked by Novak Djokovic's shout-out to his notoriously 'toxic' supporter

Novak Djokovic recently acknowledged his most dedicated and loyal supporters after reaching the 2024 Wimbledon Championships final. However, the Serb's shout-out to one of his most controversial supporters has left tennis fans shocked.

Djokovic booked his place in the final of the grasscourt Major with a commanding 6-4, 7-6(2), 6-4 win over Lorenzo Musetti. Speaking to the media after his triumph, the World No. 2 expressed his gratitude towards his staunchest supporters, who often stay behind for hours after his matches.

"They wait for hours after the match for me to finish everything, when I drive by they are there. They don't even ask for a picture or a signature, but just to wish me good night," Djokovic said.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion also recognized Julie and Pavvy G by name for their unwavering support over the years.

"These are people who are very important in my life, who follow me. For example Julie, Pavvy G, I don't know how many are there who have been following me for 15 years. People who chose to spend days or months or years of their lives with me and with me. I have to constantly remind myself that this is not something that is normal," he added.

Tennis fans were taken aback by Novak Djokovic mentioning a "nice" fan like Julie (@NDjokofan on X) alongside one of his most notoriously "toxic" supporters. One fan even compiled instances of Pavvy G "defaming" other players, particularly Rafael Nadal.

"Mentioning Julie and Pavy in the same breath is just not cool. One is a nice person who likes Novak and the other is completely insane," one fan commented.

"So, the takeaway is that being extremely toxic and abusive to other fans, players, commentators, etc. is, in fact, a successful path to being acknowledged by your favourite tennis player," another fan wrote.

"Giving appreciation to someone (pavy) who spends his days defamating / throwing mud at other players (Rafa, Jannik, Carlos) and shamelessly ADMITS IT. Here, for example, he does it with Rafa. He's so "small" that he even brings up a CHILD to attack the father. Congrats, Novak," a fan posted.

Many fans contended that Nadal and Roger Federer would never acknowledge their "worst fans," especially those who disrespected their fellow players.

"Rafa would never EVER acknowledge a fan who trash talks other players, constantly disrespects them to inflate his ego and spreads awful conspiracy theories on the internet," the fan wrote.

"Yet if we criticize Nolefam “the other big 3 fans are just as bad.” Federer and Nadal don’t endorse their worst fans lmao," another fan chimed in.

Others, meanwhile, argued that the World No. 2's acknowledgement implied that he endorsed Pavvy G's "garbage" sentiments.

"Omg how does this guy not tell Pavvy to calm down sometimes. Now it clearly shows novak has clearly been inspiring this type of behavior from Pavvy," one fan posted.

"Well clearly djok supports PavvyG's antics. Stop making excuses for him," another fan chimed in.

"So Nole is backing all the garbage and hate pavyg has spread on this app?" said another.

A number of fans also felt this was a "slap in the face" to Djokovic's real supporters.

"Yeah this is a slap in the face to his real fans," tennis write Bastien Fachan wrote.

"Genuine Novak fans should really feel sad that the crazy conspiracy theorist and hate monger Pavvy gets mentioned as someone important by Novak!!" said yet another.

Novak Djokovic will face Carlos Alcaraz in Wimbledon 2024 final

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon 2023 final (Source: Getty)

As Novak Djokovic aims to equal Roger Federer's record of eight Wimbledon titles, he will battle it out against Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster final at SW19. Alcaraz booked his place against the Serb with a 6-7(1), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win over Daniil Medvedev.

The duo will lock horns in a highly anticipated rematch of last year's final, as Djokovic seeks to avenge his narrow five-set loss to the Spaniard and secure his record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.

Alcaraz is also chasing a significant achievement in the upcoming final, attempting to complete the Channel Slam by winning the Wimbledon title after his recent triumph at the French Open.