BOO ARE YA?

Djokovic wants to hear the fans jeer... it puts fire in his belly & makes him play better, says Philippoussis

- NEIL MCLEMAN

NOVAK DJOKOVIC wants to hear the boos and court controversy to go to "a different level mentally" and "play better", according to former Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis.

And the Scud compared the Serbian's late-night Centre Court outburst to John McEnroe's infamous tantrums during his career.

Djokovic reached his 15th Wimbledon quarter-final by beating Holger Rune without any drama and then found plenty by slamming some in the Centre Court crowd for their support of the Norwegian.

Fans were bellowing out "Ruuuune", but Djokovic insisted: "They were disrespecting me. I don't accept it."

However, the 2003 finalist Philippoussis (above), who was backed by cheers of 'Pooouu' during his career, claimed the 24-time Grand Slam champion seeks such slights to light his competitive fire.

"I think he wants to hear 'boo' because it makes him play better, the Aussie said.

"It is just something he uses to his advantage. Sometimes you just see in his eyes, , when he gets focussed and agitated for something, he goes to a different level mentally.