Amelie
Mauresmo has addressed the criticisms from
Novak Djokovic regarding the court
conditions at Philippe Chatrier during his fourth-round match against Francisco
Cerundolo. The Serbian star was visibly unhappy with the state of the court,
voicing his concerns multiple times to the chair umpire and tournament
supervisor, and requesting more frequent sweeping.
It is
unknown whether the 24-time Grand Slam champion's injury had anything to do
with his duel with the Argentine, but it was clear after several slips that he
was not comfortable. Djokovic withdrew from the tournament before the
quarter-final against
Casper Ruud, as an MRI scan revealed a torn medial
meniscus in his right knee.
Mauresmo's response to Djokovic's criticisms
Tournament
director
Amelie Mauresmo clarified to the media that players' complaints are
considered by the line judges, who ultimately decide if the court conditions
are inadequate: “It’s not just the player who asks, it’s also the referee’s
decision,” she explained.
“The
tournament supervisor was also on the court that day, and also made the
decision not to do so (to sweep the court),” Mauresmo added. “These decisions
are taken on the spot, with the people who can judge them. That’s what
happened. The decision you have seen has been made,” she concluded.
Djokovic underwent surgery and will miss the Grass-swing, which leaves him out of
Wimbledon, where he is defending points for being runner-up a year ago. It will be at least three weeks of recovery, although it could be longer. Djokovic's big goal is to be ready for the upcoming
Olympic Games in Paris from 27 July.
