Serbian press have thanked “idiotic” English fans at Wimbledon for providing added motivation for Novak Djokovic to win his eighth SW19 title this year, after he lambasted the crowd on Centre Court.

The 37-year-old defeated Holger Rune in straight sets on Monday evening, but shortly after putting his opponent away, took the on-court microphone to complain that the supporters were jeering him.

He wished them a “goooooood night” mimicking the chants in support of his opponent, which the Serb felt were a direct slight at him, with the media from his homeland similarly furious at those fueling Djokovic’s anger.

Serbian tabloid newspaper Alo! wrote an editorial piece titled: “English, thanks for hating Novak” in which they claimed that such actions on Centre Court will only spur their star man on going into the quarter-finals.

“Finally, what we’ve all been wishing for for years happened – Novak Djokovic lashed out at the rude audience and brought them to the ground,” the article began.

“Countless times, Nole experienced being booed for no reason, insulted, belittled, lied about and each time he tried to ‘drop the ball’ by giving some neutral comment so that the audience (God forbid) would not get upset. Now Novak decided not to remain silent, and the final straw was that his children were forced to listen to whistles directed at their father, who did not deserve such a thing.”

The article ended with an attack on “idiotic” English fans, after claiming that his children could have “burst into tears at the gruesome scenes” at the All England Club.

“We have no doubt at all that from Monday, the famous Serbian stubbornness will work and that Novak will do his best to shut the mouths of his haters again,” the piece read.

“In fact, what our legend needed for months happened – fuel, motivation and the desire to win. So, English, thank you for making Djokovic what he is with your idiotic behaviour.”

It was put to Djokovic by the on-court interviewer that the crowd were instead showing support for his opponent, but he was insistent that was not the case.

“They were. They were [disrespecting me]”, he said. “I am not accepting it. No no no. I know they were cheering for Rune but that’s an excuse to also boo. Listen, I have been on the tour for more than 20 years. I know all the tricks. I focus on the respectful people that pay for the ticket, and love tennis and appreciate the players.”