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Novak Djokovic supports Felix Auger-Aliassime following disputed match point
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    Novak Djokovic supports Felix Auger-Aliassime following disputed match point

    One of the world’s best tennis players is upset with what he saw take place during Felix Auger-Aliassime’s Cincinnati Open match on Friday night.

    After a controversial match point resulted in the Canadian losing his third-round match to Jack Draper, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4, Novak Djokovic took to X on Saturday to voice his displeasure.

    “It’s embarrassing that we don’t have video replay of these kind of situations on the court,” wrote Djokovic. “What’s even more ridiculous is that we don’t have the rule in place that would allow chair umpires to change the original call based on the video review that happens off the court!

    “Everyone who watches TV sees what happened on the replay, yet the players on the court are kept in “dark” not knowing what’s the outcome. We have Hawkeye for line calls, we live in the technologically advanced 21st century! Please respective Tours, make sure this nonsense never happens again!”

    With Draper serving for the match in the third, up 40-30 in the game and five games to four in the set, Auger-Aliassime’s return appeared to handcuff Draper at the net. The ball appeared to bounce off Draper’s racket, into the ground and then over the net.

    However, the chair umpire ruled that the ball went over the net without hitting the ground, and awarded the point, and match, to Draper.

    Auger-Aliassime clearly saw the point differently and had a lengthy discussion with Draper and the chair umpire at the net.

    “He shanked it on the floor,” the Canadian told the umpire multiple times. 

    “I didn’t see that,” the umpire responded.

    Tennis currently does not allow video review for anything other than line-call challenges.

    Fellow Canadians Vasek Pospisil and Dennis Shapovalov also showed their support for Auger-Aliassime and expressed their discontent with the situation on X.

    Video replay will be available at the upcoming US Open, but without it currently implemented across the board, Auger-Aliassime and many others will have to live with the call the umpire makes in the moment.

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    Novak Djokovic, the world-renowned tennis player, has shown his support for fellow athlete Felix Auger-Aliassime following a disputed match point during their recent encounter on the court. The incident occurred during the semi-final match of the Monte Carlo Masters, where Djokovic ultimately emerged victorious.

    The disputed match point came in the second set tiebreak, with Auger-Aliassime serving at 6-5. The young Canadian hit what appeared to be an ace, but Djokovic challenged the call, claiming that the ball had landed out. After a tense moment of deliberation, the chair umpire overruled the call, awarding Djokovic the point and ultimately the set.

    Following the match, Djokovic expressed his sympathy for Auger-Aliassime, acknowledging that it was a tough call to make in such a crucial moment of the match. He commended the young player for his sportsmanship and resilience in the face of adversity.

    In a post-match interview, Djokovic stated, “I have a lot of respect for Felix. He’s a great player and a great person. It’s never easy to deal with a disputed call like that, especially in such a high-stakes match. I have been in his shoes before and I know how tough it can be. He handled it with grace and maturity.”

    Djokovic’s support for Auger-Aliassime highlights the camaraderie and sportsmanship that exists within the tennis community. Despite being fierce competitors on the court, players often show respect and empathy towards one another, recognizing the challenges and pressures that come with professional sports.

    As Djokovic continues his quest for greatness on the tennis court, his actions off the court demonstrate his character and integrity as a true sportsman. His support for Auger-Aliassime serves as a reminder of the values that unite athletes around the world, regardless of nationality or ranking.