Novak Djokovic argues with the chair umpire over delayed challenge by Andrey Rublev in the Paris Masters finals

Djokovic prevailed 5-7, 7-6(3), 7-5 against the fifth-seeded Rublev to move into the finals.

Novak Djokovic argues with the chair umpire over delayed challenge by Andrey Rublev in the Paris Masters finals

Novak Djokovic argues with the chair umpire (Via ATP/Paris Masters/X)

Novak Djokovic is facing Russian Andrey Rublev in the semi-finals of the Paris Masters. The Serbian had earlier defeated defending Champion Holger Rune in an epic 3-set match to win the quarter-final round and reach the last 4 at Paris.

Having lost the first set to Rublev, the 24-time Grand Slam Champion went on to stage an impressive comeback in a close encounter during the second set, winning it in a very intense tie-break. At one point during the second set, emotions and tensions got the better of Djokovic as he went ahead and engaged in a furious argument with the chair umpire over a delayed challenge by Rublev.

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Feelings were gushing during the second set as the Russian looked to close out the match, while the 2023 US Open Champion looked to carry the game to the third and final set of the match. In the process, during one of the points, the Serb felt that a challenge called by Andrey exceeded the allowed time to call it. Djokovic immediately went over to the Chair Umpire and expressed his dissatisfaction over this delayed challenge and had an intense argument with him.

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What may have happened is that Rublev immediately raised his finger, signaling to the Chair Umpire to call a challenge. However, amidst the commotion, Nole may not have seen it and felt that the umpire awarded the Russian with a late call.

Novak Djokovic had a similar argument in his previous match against Holger Rune

This is not the first time at the Paris Masters that the 7-time Wimbledon Champion has argued with the Chair Umpire over a delayed challenge. In his previous encounter against Holger Rune in the quarter-finals, Djokovic engaged in a massive argument with the Chair Umpire and also demanded that the tournament supervisor be called to interfere in this matter.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Credits: Eurosport)

Expectedly, the crowd booed against Novak Djokovic, watching his furious discussion with the match officials.

However, the Serbian legend went on to win the intense thriller-packed match much against the wishes of the crowd and placed himself in the semi-final round. He will be aiming to win the Paris Masters for the 7th time in his career.

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