Novak Djokovic’s scheduling ‘request’ snubbed by French Open organisers
Novak Djokovic’s ‘request’ to play his third-round match during the day session has been denied by French Open organisers, meaning that the Serb will be unable to attend the Champions League final between Inter Milan and PSG.
The Serb prevailed in a 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(1) second-round encounter against Corentin Moutet and, afterwards, jokingly suggested that the organisers of the Parisian Grand Slam should avoid scheduling his next match during Saturday’s night session.
“It’s going to be PSG that I will support. I will definitely watch it if I’m not playing [the] night session,” he said.
“Yeah, that will be nice. FYI, Roland Garros schedule.”
Djokovic was, of course, referring to the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan – which is scheduled to begin at 21:00 on Saturday, May 31.
Despite the plea, the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s ‘request’ was denied by the tournament – now scheduled to play the night session match on Philippe Chatrier, which begins at 20:15.
Djokovic will next face Filip Misolic, who defeated Denis Shapovalov in a five-set second-round match against Denis Shapovalov.
There may have been some worry amongst tennis fans ahead of that clash, due to the three-time French Open champion taking a medical timeout in the third set of the Moutet match.
However, Djokovic quickly shot down any concern by saying it is not a ‘major issue.’
“I mean, I’m pretty fit at the moment. I don’t feel like I have any major issues,” the former world No 1 stated.
“Although it took me almost an hour to deal with the blister and the bleeding that I had. So that was not really a pleasant process.
“But I don’t think it’s going to be an issue for me to recover. [The] good thing about Slams, obviously you have a day in between, so plenty of time to recover and get ready for [the] next one.”
Latest ATP News
Novak Djokovic reveals the thing that is an even greater motivation than Grand Slams
John McEnroe makes bold Jack Draper claim after epic Roland Garros battle with Gael Monfils
Djokovic’s third-round match against the Pole will be his first night session match since the Miami Open, which promises to provide a slight change in conditions.
Without the hot sun, the balls bounce lower and the pace of play also slows.
During his match against the Frenchman, the roof was closed due to rainfall – something which didn’t bother the experienced Djokovic.
“It’s nothing we, as tennis players, aren’t used to day after day,” said the current world 6.
“We know that this constant adaptation exists, that every day can be completely different.
“Clay is a ‘living’ surface, so to speak: it responds and reacts to any change in temperature, weather, wind, everything. You have to be constantly alert and flexible enough to adapt.
“It works the same for both of us, and it’s demanding, no doubt about it. It’s something we’re also used to in Paris; the weather is quite unpredictable.
“It can be very cold or very hot, which affects the bounce of the ball and how it flies through the air. It also depends on who you’re playing against. You have to be ready for anything.”
