Wimbledon crowd boo Novak Djokovic's name during interview with Lorenzo Musetti

Lorenzo Musetti qualified for the Wimbledon semi-finals and will challenge 7-times champion Novak Djokovic after controversial booing against him. The Italian clinched a historic qualification after beating Tayor Fritz in an epic 5-sets clash 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.

The 22-year-old Italian will face the all-time leading major champion for the first time in his career in the Grand Slam semi-finals. The Serb did not have to take the court in the quarter-finals after the withdrawal of Alex De Minaur (9th) and is looking forward to a reunion with the fans after the booing in his last match.

Nole's journey at SW19 has been surprising given his high level just three weeks after knee surgery. The 24-times Grand Slam champion dispelled any doubts after his 4th-round duel against Holger Rune, where he dominated the young star with scores of 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in just two hours of play.

Part of the SW19 crowd passionately supported the Dane and began to shout at Djokovic during the match, booing him. After the match, Nole took the microphone in the on-court interview and commented: 'I know they were cheering for Rune. But that’s an excuse to also boo. Listen, I’ve been on the tour for more than 20 years. So, trust me, I know all the tricks. I know how it works.'

"To all the fans that have respect and that stayed here tonight, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. I appreciate it," the world No. 2 said. "And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player — in this case, me — have a goooood night. Goooood night. Goooood night. Very good night," Djokovic mentioned before leaving the Center Court, triggering more boos from part of the crowd.

After Alex de Minaur's injury withdrawal, Djokovic advanced directly to the semi-finals and was given a bye while waiting for the winner of the Musetti-Fritz Clash. The Italian took the 5-set win and was asked in the on-court interview about his next opponent Djokovic, to clear boos from the crowd.

"Yeah. He probably knows better than me the surface and the stadium for sure," Musetti said. "I mean jokes aside he’s a legend especially - I mean everywhere but here in Wimbledon in the last years he made something really unthinkable for anything.

"I had the chance to play against him a lot of times so we know each other pretty well. Always been a huge fight so I expect a big, big fight and I think it’s going to be one of the toughest challenge on tour but I’m an ambitious guy and I like to be challenged. I'll try my best, I try to put my 100 per cent effort and let’s see what’s going to happen.

In addition to his comments about Djokovic, Musetti expressed his excitement at reaching a Grand Slam semifinal for the first time in his career: "I have no words," Musetti said. "It’s tough to speak but I’ll try my best. I think I haven’t realized yet what I’ve done. Thanks to all the people and Italian crowd who are here to support.

"We were joking with my team about trying to play on the big stage at Wimbledon. I had never tried Court 1. To walk on this amazing stadium was really an honour for me. I think I played a really fantastic match," Musetti claimed. "Taylor was in great shape. Really really happy to be in my first semifinal here. Thanks to my team and all my friends who came from my hometown to support me."