'Really upset': Novak Djokovic roasts US Open officials over 'unfair' detail
World No.1 Novak Djokovic has taken aim at the US Open after confusion over a rule, which irked the fiery Serbian.
Djokovic extended his absurd unbeaten run to 24 matches in 2020 after dispatching Damir Dzumhur 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 in the First Round of the US Open.
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But the World No.1 was clearly frustrated during the match when he clashed with the chair umpire over the serve clock.
Djokovic who won his fourth title of the year at the Western & Southern Open on Saturday, pointed out the US Open officials were starting the serve clock earlier than the warm-up event.
This didn’t sit well with Djokovic who claimed he wasn’t told about the subtle change.
“I was not aware of it. No one really brought it to my attention. The lack of communication is something that worries me once again,” he said in the press conference following the match.
“That’s something that really upset me. I don’t mind if someone communicates and maybe asks the opinion of us players because we’re the ones who are supposed to play. But it’s going to greatly affect the match.’
“We’ve played at a certain tempo, so to say, got used to it during the Western & Southern tournament, which just ended two days ago.
“Two days later we have a different rule that was just not communicated to us. That’s something that I found just not acceptable, not fair.”
Umpire explaining Djokovic that ATP and ITF have different rules on the way they operate the shot clock.
"Why?" he asks.— José Morgado (@josemorgado) September 1, 2020
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The 25-second serve clock is designed to speed up players to help keep the momentum of the match flowing.
A point penalty can be awarded if a player consistently breaches the time violation after a chair umpire’s warning.
Despite the difference, Djokovic was at his formidable best and will need to keep up the form to topple British star Kyle Edmund in the second round.
Djokovic claimed he ‘respected’ Edmund due to his hard work and previous battles they have shared at Grand Slams.
