Novak Djokovic found himself at odds with the Rolex Paris Masters crowd once again as he was booed for approaching the umpire to argue a call. With Holger Rune serving to stay in the match at 4-5 15-30 in the second set, he challenged one of Djokovic’s shots after hitting a return that was going out. The top seed fumed when the chair official allowed him to challenge so late. Djokovic asked for the supervisor to be called, saying the decision was “bull****”.
Djokovic was two points from victory in a grudge match against Rune on Friday night when an issue arose, as the sixth seed decided to challenge one of the Serb’s shots after hitting a return that was going out. The umpire allowed him to review the call, and hawkeye confirmed that Djokovic’s ball had failed to catch the line.
Before the review was even made, the world No 1 approached the umpire’s chair in protest, arguing that Rune shouldn’t be allowed to challenge because he only asked to after making the return and knowing his ball was landing out – something that would’ve given Djokovic two match points.
“He played the shot, he saw it went out and then he challenged,” the six-time champion in Bercy told chair official Renaud Lichtenstein, demanding that the supervisor be called. “The supervisor cannot be called Novak, that’s my judgement. The judgement, it’s my judgement,” the umpire responded.
All the while, the spectators inside the Accor Arena were booing heavily as they watched Djokovic approach the umpire, waving his arms in protestation. Lichtenstein continued to explain why he allowed Rune to challenge, adding: “He was looking that the shot was going out. Before we called it out he asked me, that’s why I’m allowing it Novak.”
But the 36-year-old wasn’t happy. “You must be kidding me,” he retorted. “You know he called it late. When he hit the shot he saw it was going out.” The umpire replied: “Yeah but he asked me before we called that ball out.” Djokovic still refuted the official’s decision as his rant became X-rated.
“That ball landed on the court 0.4 seconds, you’re telling me you figured out. That’s bull***,” he responded. The top seed was booed as he returned to the baseline to continue playing. But it only spurred him on and he was able to set up his first match point.
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
- Advert-free experience without interruptions.
- Rocket-fast speedy loading pages.
- Exclusive & Unlimited access to all our content.
Source: Read Full Article
