Novak Djokovic tears into ‘embarrassing’ situation and calls for ATP to take action

Novak Djokovic is the latest star to speak out and demand immediate change in the world of tennis.

Novak Djokovic is the latest star to speak out on the controversial match point in Jack Draper’s victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime at the Cincinnati Open.

The British player emerged victorious with a scoreline of 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 against his Canadian rival, thereby securing a place in the quarter-finals of the tournament. However, this victory has been marred by controversy.

This match has been referred to as the ‘most controversial match point ever,’ as Draper executed a low-angle drop shot that caught Auger-Aliassime off guard. The shot grazed the net before landing on his opponent’s side, yet replays suggested that the ball had bounced before making contact with the net.

Although Auger-Aliassime was ready to continue with the next point, umpire Greg Allensworth declared it a valid point, resulting in his loss. Draper expressed willingness to replay the point if a review indicated that he had mishit the shot, but his request was disregarded.

Tennis icon Djokovic has since addressed the incident, advocating for the integration of advanced technology in the sport to avert such ‘embarrassing’ errors.

Stefanos Tsitsipas initially commented on the situation via Twitter, stating, “I don’t think I have ever seen a shot like this.” Djokovic responded by saying, “It’s embarrassing that we don’t have video replay for these types of situations on the court.

“What is even more absurd is the absence of a rule that permits chair umpires to amend their original decisions based on video reviews conducted off the court!

“Viewers at home can see the replay and understand what transpired, yet players on the court remain uninformed about the outcome. We have Hawkeye for line calls; we are in the technologically advanced 21st century! I urge the relevant Tours to ensure that such nonsense does not occur again!”

Nick Kyrgios has also weighed in on the controversy, contending that Draper was aware of his misjudgment despite the British player claiming to Auger-Aliassime that he was ‘not 100 percent’ certain.

The Australian posted on X: “Mate. Horrible call, but every player knows exactly where you hit it hahaha ridiculous stuff.”

Calls for the implementation of video replays continue to grow.