"He looked like he was enjoying it": Novak Djokovic's reaction to Turin crowd surprised Tim Henman at 2023 ATP Finals

Former tennis player turned commentator Tim Henman was surprised by Novak Djokovic's reaction to the Turin crowd at the 2023 ATP Finals as the World No. 1 was booed in his match against Jannik Sinner.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion won his first group stage match at the 2023 ATP Finals against Holger Rune in a tight three sets, 7-6 (4), 6-7 (1), 6-3. However, his 19-match winning streak was ended in his second match against home player Sinner, who edged past Djokovic in their close-knit clash 7-5, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (2).

However, the 36-year-old was also faced with boos throughout the match as the crowd in Turin supported their home player. Nevertheless, as has become customary of Djokovic, he fed off their jeers and even teased spectators by cupping his hand to his ear to encourage them to boo louder and at one point even pretended to conduct the crowd like an orchestra.

After the match, former British No. 1 Henman commented on Djokovic's reaction, saying he seemed to be "enjoying" the boos and that maybe this was a result of his successful season: "Sometimes when Djokovic starts taking on a crowd it is with much more animosity than he showed here.

"Here, he looked like he was enjoying it. Maybe it is a reflection of him ending the year as world No 1 whatever. He was the conductor. Trying to orchestrate the crowd. It seemed he was in good spirits, but he will be disappointed to lose this match," Henman said.

The 49-year-old went on to praise Sinner's performance in the match, which was the Italian's first win against Djokovic in his young career: "It was an amazing night. Sinner absolutely delivered. I’m so pleased for him, these Italian fans, and this event that he managed to come through.

"It could be a major turning point. He’s been doing all the right things, winning a Masters 1000 event and reaching a Grand Slam semi-final, but he has just delivered across the board. He served so well and did such a good job in the deciding tie-break. He had the belief to keep going for his shots and get across the finishing line," Henman continued.