French Open - 'I'm in shock!' - Novak Djokovic and Matteo Berrettini leave court as fans stay despite curfew
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Updated 10/06/2021 at 12:18 GMT
The final evening session of the tournament had spectators for the first time with 5,000 lucky fans able to watch the French Open quarter-final between Novak Djokovic and Matteo Berrettini at Roland Garros. The fans were treated to some high-quality tennis but then came and went the curfew, with the spectators not leaving, so the players then left the court to try to prompt a move.
'I'm in shock!' - Djokovic and Berrettini leave court as fans stay despite curfew
There were very unusual scenes in Novak Djokovic's French Open quarter-final clash with Matteo Berrettini on Wednesday night as the players left the court with fans not respecting the curfew in place for them to leave.
Djokovic set up a mouth-watering French Open semi-final clash with Nadal after he beat the big-hitting Italian 6-3 6-2 6-7 7-5 in their last-eight encounter in Paris. When play did get back underway, a very emotional Djokovic - who kicked a board at the side of the court in anger and let out several roars - closed out the win amid much release of built-up frustration.
The final evening session of the clay court Grand Slam had spectators for the first time with 5,000 fans able to watch the last-eight encounter at Roland Garros - but with a curfew set for 11pm CET.
But after Berrettini won a third set tie-break to take the match into a fourth set, fans did not heed the instructions to leave the stadium to be in accordance with the curfew in place as a condition of their attendance.
As such, the players then left the court to attempt to ensure that the fans would promptly exit Court Philippe Chatrier. The stands were eventually cleared and play was able to resume but Djokovic was clearly affected by the delays and kicked an advertising hoarding in an angry reaction to not converting a match point before eventually wrapping up the win.
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'Look what it's done to him!' - Furious Djokovic kicks board after match point slip
Eurosport expert Mischa Zverev said: "I'm actually in shock and I don't know what to say. It's a bit weird and ridiculous.
"The curfew was moved back from 9pm to 11pm (CET) and I feel for the people and the players."
Mats Wilander added that it was "very awkward" and a "weird time" and compared the situation to an apparent protest by some.
Earlier, an amusing moment involving the fans saw the match halted amid a chorus of boos from other fans when a group of spectators strolled in very late with their shopping in tow to delay proceedings.
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'Where have they been?' - Djokovic made to wait as fans boo latecomers
World number one Djokovic, the 2016 champion, and an 18-time Grand Slam title winner, struggled to find the funny side as he was preparing to serve while trying to make his mark on the opening set.
In rather comical fashion, the excitement over fans returning hit a bump when a group strolled in very late with their shopping to delay proceedings.
"Where have they been?" wondered Chris Bradnam, on commentary for Eurosport.
"How can they be late? It's the first time crowds have been allowed in for the late match! They've been shopping!"
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Highlights: Djokovic beats Berrettini in wild late match with curfew drama
The other spectators inside Court Philippe Chatrier let their feelings known with loud booing as the fans eventually settled down and Djokovic was finally able to serve.
Victory for Djokovic sees him through to the semi-finals for the 11th time at Roland Garros and two wins away from becoming only the third man in history to win all four Grand Slams on two occasions.
Earlier, third seed and 13-time champion at Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal, reeled off nine games in succession to overcome Diego Schwartzman in quite brilliant fashion on Court Philippe Chatrier.
The Argentine roared back in the second set to end Nadal's streak of sets on the bounce in Paris, but he could never quite keep his opponent in his sights as the Spaniard won through 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-0.
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'Wow!' - Watch Djokovic's wild reaction to reaching semis after curfew chaos
A Nadal v Djokovic clash in the last four will be an encounter fans will love and is a repeat from last year's final in the postponed autumnal edition.
The three most successful players in the history of the men's game have won 17 of the last 20 Grand Slam titles between them.
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Watch all the action from the 2021 French Open live on Eurosport, eurosport.co.uk and the Eurosport app with 13-time champion Nadal eyeing a remarkable 14th title and the women's draw wide open at Roland Garros in Paris.
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