Yeah, the crowd can cheer who they want to. In fact, Novak used this to his advantage in the 2019 Wimbledon final when he turned the cheers for Roger into cheers for himself, in his ear. It was inspired, and helpful. Last year at the USO he famously blubbed into a towel when the crowd cheered his name, despite the fact that he more important things to worry about.
He’s definitely sensitive to the crowd, and I think it’s a pity, because he’s great, and if the crowd are rowdy against him, he should get even greater enjoyment out of his achievements.
He looked gassed at the start of the third when Rafa rebooted and came after him. Huge difference to last year, despite the many scoreline similarities. Rafa beginning quickly both times, Novak getting a hold on things in the second, but this time the “7-6” and “6-2” sets were reversed, both in order, and who won them. Rafa’s attack in the third shook Novak, but he did well to take a lead in the fourth. Could easily have gone to five…