Novak Djokovic calls out 'embarrassing nonsense' at Cincinnati Open after Draper line call controversy
ATP
After the controversy that surrounded the end of Jack Draper v Felix Auger-Aliassime, many top tennis stars reacted including interestingly Novak Djokovic. He made his feelings known on the Cincinnati Open incident on social media despite not playing himself this week in Ohio.
Draper appeared to shank a drop shot that looped in the air. It landed on the net cord before trickling over for match point. Auger-Aliassime had claimed that the ball had made contact with the ground after coming off the frame of Draper's racquet.
The umpire remained unmoved and Auger-Aliassime was furious with the decision not to replay the point. "You're going to get out now and then it's going to be everywhere. It's going to look ridiculous. It's going to be crazy," said the Canadian on court at the time.
It was the second incident involving the umpire in question with some calling for him to be removed from his role and after Tsitsipas showed footage outing Draper on social media, Djokovic made his thoughts known on a lack of video review. He called for umpires being able to change calls and for this 'embarrassing nonsense' to never happen again in the sport. Damning from the World No.1.
"It’s embarrassing that we don’t have video replay of these kind of situations on the court. What’s even more ridiculous is that we don’t have the rule in place that would allow chair umpires to change the original call based on the video review that happens off the court," wrote Djokovic on X.
"Everyone who watches TV sees what happened on the replay, yet the players on the court are kept in “dark” not knowing what’s the outcome. We have Hawkeye for line calls, we live in the technologically advanced 21st century! Please respective Tours, make sure this nonsense never happens again!"
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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