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Novak Djokovic has opened up on why he believes he has struggled to receive crowd support when playing at the US Open. While a quartet of wins at the final Grand Slam of the year make up a chunk of his 24 major titles, the Serbian hasn't always had the easiest time across the pond.

The 2019 showing of the US Open proved particularly cagey for Djokovic, who found himself booed on the courts of the Arthur Ashe Stadium despite playing through injury in his fourth-round clash with Stan Wawrinka. Heading into the tournament as a defending champion, he was met with a chorus of jeers and boos as he withdrew from the match in the third set as a result of a nagging shoulder issue. Wawrinka was leading 6-4 7-5 2-1 at the time, with Djokovic conceding the match, embracing his opponent and walking off the court as a fiery crowd reaction rang out. As to why he believes he has received a bad rap from US fans during his time at the tournament over the years, Djokovic has criticised the media's portrayal of him on a number of occasions.

The 38-year-old said in 2021: "Truthfully, I have mostly made peace with it. I cannot say that it doesn't sometimes get to me, of course an injustice or an unfair portrayal by the media affects me. I am a human being, I have emotions and naturally I don't enjoy it.

"I would sincerely like to have a good relationship with them, but it seems that this is not always possible. I do my best to focus on the positive things and the positive articles."

However, Djokovic has also portrayed himself in a negative light on occasion. The tennis ace found himself disqualified from the 2020 US Open as a result of hitting a line judge with a ball during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta.

On that occasion, Djokovic took a ball from his pocket after seeing his serve broken before hitting it behind him; the ball connecting with the throat of an official. He was disqualified after a lengthy discussion and was quick to issue an apology for his conduct, regardless of it being accidental.

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He said: "This whole situation has left me really sad and empty. I checked on the linesperson, and the tournament told me that, thank God, she is feeling OK. I'm extremely sorry to have caused her such stress. So unintended. So wrong."

It hasn't always been hard times for Djokovic at the tournament, however, with the star seeing a moment of redemption the very next year. During that tournament, Djokovic made it all the way to the final before suffering a 6-4 6-4 6-4 loss to Daniil Medvedev.

However, the crowd was on Djokovic's side throughout the final against his Russian opponent, even giving an ovation during a change of ends in the third round which led to him becoming visibly emotional. Speaking about the crowd support on the court after the match had concluded, Djokovic said: "Of course, part of me is very sad.

"It's a tough one to swallow, this loss, I mean, considering everything that was on the line. But on the other hand, I felt something I never felt in my life here in New York. The amount of support and energy and love I got from the crowd was something I'll remember forever.

"The emotion, the energy was so strong. I mean, it's as strong as winning 21 Grand Slams. That's how I felt, honestly. I felt very, very special. These are the kind of moments that you cherish."

Djokovic is gearing up for his opening match at the 2025 tournament. The world No. 7 is set to take on Learner Tien at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday, as he chases a fifth win at the tournament and the elusive 25th Grand Slam of his career.