Novak Djokovic reveals why he was unhappy with chair umpire Fergus Murphy during his fourth-round match in Miami
Novak Djokovic defeated Lorenzo Musetti 6-2, 6-2 to earn his third consecutive win at the Miami Open and reach the quarter-finals.
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Novak Djokovic and Fergus Murphy (via X/Tennis365)
Novak Djokovic comfortably secured his place in the quarter-finals of the Miami Open after defeating Lorenzo Musetti. The World No.5 played his best tennis since featuring in the Sunshine Double but he was not pleased with everything that happened everything that happened during the match.
Djokovic put his three consecutive match losses at the Miami Open. He opened his account at the tournament with a thumping straight sets victory over Australia’s Rinky Hijikata. He then continued with his form and defeated Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the third round of the ATP 1000 tournament. However, during his fourth-round match against Lorenzo Musetti, the 24-time Grand Slam winner got into a debate with chair umpire Fergus Murphy.
It happened during the opening set of the match when the score was 2-2, Djokovic was handed a time violation warning after the shot clock went over when he went to grab a towel. The 37-year-old was noticeably unhappy with the decision and had a debate with the chair umpire. Djokovic suggested that he was supposed to be given a bit of leeway but Murphy replied that the shot clock was automatic.
Djokovic was asked about the incident during his post match conference. The World No.5 then revealed that he was not happy with the answer he got from the chair umpire.
I understand the rules are rules, but I was not happy with the answer I got from Fergus. I mean, Fergus is a veteran in his role, in his job; he has been doing this for so many years. He knows this as well as anyone, so I didn’t understand why he would give me a time violation warning like the first time I actually went over there… which was a few seconds. You have got to have a little bit of understanding of the game, I was not even close to getting a warning in the first couple of games. It was the game where it was 2-2, we had a couple of long rallies, and yes, I went over to grab my towel, and yes, I went over, so that was something that I thought wasn’t necessary, and that’s all.
Novak Djokovic said via Miami Open Press
Serena Williams and Juan Martin Del Potro were in attendance to watch Djokovic play against Musetti. The Grand Slam champions later had the opportunity to meet each other after the match ended in an hour and 23 minutes.
Novak Djokovic’s quarter-finals opponent suffer an injury scare in the fourth round
Novak Djokovic is set to face Sebastian Korda in the quarter-finals of the Miami Open but the American fitness has been raised as a concern. The American defeated Gael Monfils in three sets in the fourth round of the tournament and then revealed that he was experiencing wrist pain during his match.
It’s [the wrist] pretty painful right now, we’ll see how it goes tomorrow. Will do a lot of work with my physio now, we’ll see how it is tomorrow. I got pretty negative [after the injury]. Just kind of had to refocus and get positive again. It’s great [to be into his fourth Masters 1000 quarter-final]. I haven’t played a lot of tournaments this year, hopefully I can play some good tennis and see where it takes me.
Sebastian Korda said via Miami Open Press
The World No.25 subsequently withdrew from his doubles match alongside Jordan Thompson. The American will now be racing to fitness against Djokovic but it may be to the Serbian legend when they meet.
Novak Djokovic has a shot at winning his first tour-level title since November 2023
Novak Djokovic now has the opportunity of winning his first tour-level title in over a year. He has been playing his best tennis at the tournament and is yet to drop a set. Also, he looks to be playing with confidence.
However, Djokovic path to the title won’t be an easy one as he will have to face an in-form Sebastian Korda in the quarter-finals. He has a slim 1-0 lead in their head-to-head record
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