French Open tennis - 'Where have they been?' - Novak Djokovic made to wait as fans boo latecomers

ByDan Quarrell

Published 09/06/2021 at 18:44 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. 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.

There was a comical moment in the opening set of Novak Djokovic's French Open quarter-final clash with Matteo Berrettini involving returning fans - late ones.

The final evening session of the clay court Grand Slam had spectators for the first time with 5,000 fortunate fans able to watch the French Open quarter-final between Novak Djokovic and Matteo Berrettini at Roland Garros.

An amusing moment 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.

Olympic Games Paris 2024

Djokovic hoping to find 'best level' as he talks Olympic, French Open ambitions

23/04/2024 at 08:41

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.

• 'Rafa is unbeatable' - Wilander can't see Nadal losing at Roland Garros
• 'Amazing' Nadal shot leaves Schwartzman scratching his head

"Where have they been?" wondered Eurosport's Chris Bradnam, on commentary at the time.

"How can they be late? It's the first time crowds have been allowed in for the late match! They've been shopping!"

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 will see 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.

'Amazing' Nadal shot leaves Schwartzman scratching his head

A Nadal v Djokovic clash in the last four would be an encounter fans would love and it would be a repeat from last year's final in the postponed autumnal edition.

In the quarter-finals, Djokovic will next take on ninth seed Matteo Berrettini, after the Italian was handed a walkover due to Roger Federer withdrawing from the tournament.

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.

- - -

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.

Tennis

Madrid Open: Are Nadal, Djokovic, Alcaraz and Raducanu playing?

24/04/2024 at 08:40

ATP Monte Carlo

‘Not a great season’ - Djokovic reacts to Monte Carlo loss, as Ruud says 'he's human'

13/04/2024 at 22:26

ATP Monte Carlo

'In a state of shock' - Ruud upsets Djokovic to make Monte Carlo final for first time

13/04/2024 at 19:36