French Open: 'Why are you rushing?' - Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud debate heat and breaks with umpire
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Published 11/06/2023 at 15:02 GMT
The men's final at the 2023 French Open was played on a scorching hot day in Paris so it was little wonder that things got a bit fractious at times between the players and the umpire regarding time-outs and delays between points in the blazing heat. Novak Djokovic explained to the umpire at one point in the opening set that he was feeling rushed between points.
'Why are you rushing' - Djokovic discusses time allowed with umpire in final
There was an ongoing back and forth between both Novak Djokovic and Casper Ruud and the umpire, Benoit Dumusois, as the time taken between points was debated in the energy-sapping heat of the French Open final.
Despite it only being in the opening set, both players had discussions with Dumusois about how long was being taken between points and during changeovers. It was understandable given how hot and humid it was at Roland-Garros.
With the temperature up towards 30 degrees Celsius and with around 64% humidity, it was utterly gruelling for both players to be slogging it out on the red dirt in Paris, and tensions were always going to be high in the showpiece match on Sunday.
After Ruud had discussed the time taken between points with Dumusois earlier in the set, Djokovic had a few questions for the official at a changeover just prior to the opening tie-break in what was a brutally tiring baseline exchange at times between the two players.
The 22-time Grand Slam singles champion wanted to know why Dumusois was being, in his view, so quick to start the clock at changeovers. Players have 90 seconds to catch their breath at the change of ends every two games.
"You start [the clock], I've not even come to the bench. Why are you rushing?" Djokovic asked Dumusois.
"You can wait for us to sit down and call the score [before starting the clock]. We're playing one hour and 10 minutes, it's a [potential] five setter in a Grand Slam on clay."
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'Giving Djokovic quite a bit of time' - Analysis of the debate between Djokovic and umpire
Tim Henman, on commentary for Eurosport at the time, explained: "I think it has actually been an issue at the change of ends how quickly they have been having to change around, not just between points.
"They are both complaining about different things and the umpire has got his hands full!"
Simon Reed added: "I think he’s hardly rushing Novak, to be honest, but Novak feels rushed. He is exerting a little bit of pressure on him. Casper is seemingly trying to put on the opposite pressure."
After a staggering 81-minute opening set, Djokovic eventually took it in a hugely impressive tie-break to stamp his authority on the final and move closer to creating yet more history in his illustrious career.
Ruud, meanwhile, is aiming to secure his maiden Grand Slam triumph with the fourth seed having come so close before and hoping not to fall short once more against another legend of the sport.
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'Two sets away from history' - Djokovic takes opening set in final against Ruud
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