Monte Carlo’s dust exposes Novak Djokovic’s rust as a timely warning has been handed to the Serb
Novak Djokovic's start to the clay season has not gone as per plan with altercation with the chair umpire and possible injury scare in Monte Carlo exit.
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Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic suffering a shocking defeat in three sets to Lorenzo Musetti at the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters tennis tournament has set tongues wagging. Bad press, being painted uncouth on social media, being taunted for answering in monosyllables at the mandatory post-match press conference, the list is long.
Well, Novak was not in the mood for a press conference on Thursday night but had to do it.
If not, he would have been hauled over coals by the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals). Plus, fined. To say it was a bad day in the office for Novak, sporting a sleeve of sorts for supporting his serving arm elbow made for ugly viewing. It has set the cat among the pigeons on Novak’s fitness. Novak hardly cares. He has dealt with bad press, he has handled nasty comments of all sorts, including a stupid one from senile Uncle Toni Nadal a few days ago on vaccines and deaths!
Agreed, Novak the World No.1 lost a match where the duration of play and rain interruptions were irritating. Yet, he kept the audience engaged, live as well as on TV, through various channels. EUROSPORT has a full video clip of his argument, not an altercation with chair umpire Aurelie Tourte. On clay, players invariably get into arguments with the chair umpire. They will glare at line umpires, swear, and use cuss words. Novak was careful.
He did not use any word which is banned by the ATP but he was adamant when he argued about the forehand hit long by Musetti. With no Hawkeye in operation at the tournament, players are bound to argue with the umpire. It’s part of the game on clay. Argue, win or lose.
Novak Djokovic fails to make the chair umpire realize her mistake
“It is this,” said Tourte as she pointed at a mark after leaving her umpire’s seat, perched at a height from where she can get a bird’s eye-view. “Where, where,” responded an exasperated Novak Djokovic. “That is the only mark,” said Tourte. “For me, it is just there…it is the only mark…for me, it touched the line. It touched the line…that is the only mark I have.”
Novak was not convinced. He told the chair umpire the mark she was showing was the wrong one. The debate was long enough to provide drama, something which sport loves. After all, in no sport do players and referees or umpires have a love affair. If they do not disagree, the superstars are dumb!
At least, that is the image and impression in many sports. That has led to the technology being used more lavishly and intrusively in all sporting disciplines. The human element is challenged, yet not killed. The last part of the banter between Novak and Tourte went as follows, “I don’t see the mark you are showing me, Novak…I don’t have any other mark. I don’t have the mark and I ask him [the linesperson] and he does not have it either…I ask him to show me and he doesn’t.”
Often, chair umpires rely on line umpires. Sometimes, line umpires are caught napping. In such a situation, the chair umpire can overrule. Worst case, the tournament referee can be called out to settle the dispute. That did not happen on Thursday night.
Monte Carlo mishap certain to fire up Novak Djokovic for the rest of Clay
Was Novak upset? Yes, that is what happens to most tennis players. One point, just one point, does that decide the outcome in a three-setter? Well, if you ask the aggrieved party, Novak, in this case, he may say yes. He did not speak much at the press conference nor was he willing to open up on his arm sleeve. That’s typical Novak, keep the suspense going. How does one forget what happened at the Australian Open in January 2023.
At that time, the media doubted if he had a hamstring tear. He played with pain, painkillers, and treatment. How he managed to play seven matches and win his 22nd Grand Slam title only he and coach Goran Ivanisevic knew. Later, the two made it public. For someone coming back into tournament play, this loss will hurt. Questions will be asked and answers will be given, mostly imaginative, or fictional.
Novak never really opened up on why he resisted the Covid 19 vaccine. His silence kills you, and teases you. The media can get irritated, he does not care. Will he speak about an old elbow injury flare-up? Most probably, no. He played three sets and then lost. How much discomfort he is in, fans will not know. Novak will not use social media to reveal much. That’s how he has been. Yes, this Monte-Carlo event was bad for him.
Perhaps, this should fire him up further for the long clay season ahead as he had a forced break after the Australian Open. Not known for throwing in the towel, Novak will keep many guessing. Anyone who thinks he will talk to the press is mistaken. This is the difference between Novak and Rafael Nadal.
Rafa has posted on Insta and Twitter he will be missing the next week of tennis. The Spaniard has increased the intrigue on his return. See, how two guys in their mid 30s keep tennis fans engaged! Wait till the French Open for more gossip to be churned out.
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