‘Furious’ Novak Djokovic confronts umpire mid match about ‘unbelievable’ rule change
Novak Djokovic went on a rant against the serve clock rule during his fourth-round match at the Shanghai Masters.
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Novak Djokovic went on a tirade about the serve clock rule change at Shanghai Masters (Images via X)
Novak Djokovic has marched into his 10th quarterfinals at the Shanghai Masters he is playing for the first time since 2019. The tournament however has come under criticism due to arguments between players and the chair umpires. One such incident happened during Djokovic’s fourth-round match against Roman Safiullin which he won 6-3, 6-2.
The players have been complaining due to the controversial serve clock rule which has ‘ruined’ the match during crucial situations. Djokovic also complained of the same and went on a rant against the rule while confronting the umpire. He also expressed his anger at how the ATP has now allowed the ball kids to hand the towels to the players, which was stopped four years ago.
I get it’s not up to you. But the rule change is unbelievable. For four years we had a situation where we can’t get the towel. The ball kids are doing their best but they’re not trained. Without even notifying any players, they start this new rule. It’s incredible honestly.
Novak Djokovic told the umpire
Djokovic added that he understands that the changes to the rule have been made to speed up the pace of matches but he, like many players, is frustrated that the ATP changed it midway in the season without notifying the players.
The ATP has been testing with the serve clock rule since June. A player has to serve within 25 seconds, but the countdown starts about three seconds after the last point, though it previously used to start after the umpires called the points.
Novak Djokovic wants to keep playing against young players
Novak Djokovic is at the twilight of his career, and although he has not yet contemplated retirement, he has not been able to give his best consistently. Djokovic however, wants to keep playing against the young players as he believes this can help him continue to play at a high level.
These sensations I have on the tennis court are some of the reasons why I keep on playing and keep on competing because I really believe that I can play at a very high level.
Novak Djokovic said after the match
After his fourth-round win, Djokovic has improved his win-loss record to 35-8 on the season. He will next lock horns with Jakub Mensik.
Djokovic is on a quest for his 100th ATP title and if he wins in Shanghai, he will join Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer on the list (in the Open Era). The Serb is yet to win his first trophy on the ATP Tour as the gold medal at the Paris Olympics is the only title he has won so far.
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Gouri Das
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