<p class="title">Novak Djokovic's controversial decision to back Croatia at the World Cup has earned the Serbian tennis star praise from the finalists' midfielder Ivan Rakitic.</p>.<p class="bodytext">With Serbia eliminated earlier in the tournament, former Wimbledon champion Djokovic caused a stir when he said he would support Croatia in their semifinal against England.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Taking a break from preparing for the showdown with France, Barcelona star Rakitic told Djokovic's critics to leave him alone.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"I tip my hat to him, I root for him at Wimbledon. I would like to see him play the final so on Sunday we both have a great day," he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"We are human beings and we have to try and put history behind us.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"For me Nole is a fantastic athlete but even more a fantastic person. I wish him all the luck in the world."</p>.<p class="bodytext">Tensions between Serbians and Croats have run high for years and Vladimir Djukanovic, an MP in the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, went on social media to berate Djokovic.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"Only idiots can support Croatia. Aren't you ashamed Novak?" he wrote.</p>
<p class="title">Novak Djokovic's controversial decision to back Croatia at the World Cup has earned the Serbian tennis star praise from the finalists' midfielder Ivan Rakitic.</p>.<p class="bodytext">With Serbia eliminated earlier in the tournament, former Wimbledon champion Djokovic caused a stir when he said he would support Croatia in their semifinal against England.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Taking a break from preparing for the showdown with France, Barcelona star Rakitic told Djokovic's critics to leave him alone.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"I tip my hat to him, I root for him at Wimbledon. I would like to see him play the final so on Sunday we both have a great day," he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"We are human beings and we have to try and put history behind us.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"For me Nole is a fantastic athlete but even more a fantastic person. I wish him all the luck in the world."</p>.<p class="bodytext">Tensions between Serbians and Croats have run high for years and Vladimir Djukanovic, an MP in the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, went on social media to berate Djokovic.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"Only idiots can support Croatia. Aren't you ashamed Novak?" he wrote.</p>