‘Frustrated’ Novak Djokovic calls out chair umpire after getting a time violation at 3 a.m. during third-round clash against Lorenzo Musetti

Novak Djokovic valiantly beats Lorenzo Musetti in a five-set thriller at Roland Garros.

‘Frustrated’ Novak Djokovic calls out chair umpire after getting a time violation at 3 a.m. during third-round clash against Lorenzo Musetti

Novak Djokovic (Via Imago)

Tennis scheduling was under scrutiny once again at French Open as the third-round clash between Novak Djokovic and Lorenzo Musetti ended past 3 a.m. Djokovic’s match against Musetti was scheduled in the night session on Saturday on Chatrier. However, because of the prolonged day session matches, the night session started late.

To make things worse for both players, the match went to five sets and finished at 3:07 a.m. Even at this time, Djokovic had a few words for the chair umpire after he was given a time violation while trying to serve. Both Djokovic and Musetti had pushed themselves to play for more than 4-hours.

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From down a set, the Serbian pulled himself back up and fought hard to force a fifth set. On top of the tension, he was given a violation by the umpire. Musetti said that Djokovic could have the first set again but the umpire did not allow it. 

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Have a little bit of understanding. It's 3 a.m.
Novak Djokovic yelled at the chair umpire.

What’s more amusing is that Musetti was ready to give Djokovic his first serve, but the umpire stuck by his words. In the end, it was Djokovic pulled off a bagel to win the match 7-5, 6-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-0.

Novak Djokovic equaled Roger Federer’s record as he beat Lorenzo Musetti in a late-night thriller

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic managed to pull off another comeback as he beat Lorenzo Musetti in the third round. Despite odds pinned against both of them, the players managed to keep the level high. The fans also stayed back for most of the time to watch the two players face off. 

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Via Imago)

In the end, it was Djokovic with the win and he equaled Roger Federer’s record with the win. With 396 Grand Slam match wins, he has now equaled the Swiss great. Another win and Djokovic surpasses another Federer record to continue breaking milestones. 

Now, the Serbian will take on Francisco Cerundolo in the fourth round to try to make it to the quarter-finals of the French Open. With a lot at stake, the he would hope to last as long as possible in the tournament and possibly defend his title. Although, he will lose the No.1 ranking to Jannik Sinner. 

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