Novak Djokovic has expressed criticism. © APA/afp / PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA

Djokovic outraged: “Let’s not repeat this nonsense”

The already tense situation at the ATP Masters following a referee's wrong decision is becoming more and more tense. Now tennis star Novak Djokovic is also getting involved and demanding that the rules be adjusted.

August 18, 2024

From: sn

The dubious decision was made in the round of 16 between the Briton Jack Draper and the Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime. Draper brought a tricky volley into play, which was initially considered legal, causing Auger-Aliassime to lose the match. In super slow motion it quickly became apparent that the ball was not correct. However, the referee stuck to his decision and did not accept the outside view.

The Canadian tennis pro could hardly believe it and asked the referee to revise the decision. But despite the clear TV images, the referee stuck to his decision - and Auger-Aliassime had to admit defeat. "What you just did is terrible. Didn't you see that the ball was on the ground?" the Canadian ranted angrily, but his words went unheard. Draper offered to replay the point in a fair sporting manner, but the match was decided.

Djokovic demands video evidence

This wrong decision not only sparked heated discussions on the court, but also caused a furore on social media. Numerous tennis professionals spoke out and demanded that the practice of video evidence be finally introduced in tennis. One of the loudest voices in this debate is none other than Novak Djokovic.

The newly crowned Olympic champion expressed his displeasure publicly: "It is embarrassing that in the 21st century we do not have video replays on the court," Djokovic wrote on the "X" platform. He finds the fact that referees have no way of correcting their decisions based on video reviews particularly absurd. "Anyone sitting in front of the TV can see what happened, but the players on the court are in the dark," the tennis star continued.

The demand for video evidence in tennis is nothing new, but with the increasing number of incorrect decisions, the discussion is reaching a new dimension. Stars such as Nick Kyrgios, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Denis Shapovalov have also joined the debate and are calling for modern technology to finally be established in tennis.

Meanwhile, Auger-Aliassime has no choice but to accept the bitter defeat. Fair as he is, he did not blame Draper and shook his hand after the controversial match. The Brit advanced to the quarterfinals, but lost to the Dane Holger Rune 4:6 and 2:6.