(VIDEO) Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas involved in bizarre hindrance moment at Indian Wells
ATP
A curious moment unfolded in the men’s doubles draw at Indian Wells, where Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas were involved in an unusual on-court situation during their match. The first Masters 1000 event of the season has several top names from the singles draw competing in doubles as well, including the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
After overcoming their opening match against the third-seeded pair Mate Pavic and Marcelo Arevalo – both former World No. 1 and former Grand Slam champions – Tsitsipas and Djokovic surprisingly moved into the second round of the doubles draw. There they faced another pair we usually see in singles: the cousins Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot.
Rinderknech and Vacherot had their breakthrough at the Shanghai Masters last year, when they unexpectedly reached the final, eliminating many of the big names along the way in one of the most surprising Masters 1000 finals in recent memory. Vacherot was Djokovic’s executioner on that occasion, defeating him in straight sets in the semifinals.
Djokovic requests video review after unusual “hindrance” moment
The match was marked by a peculiar moment during the first set when the chair umpire had to change his decision regarding an unforced error by Tsitsipas after Djokovic protested and requested a video review to clarify the situation.
Read also
During a rally, Rinderknech can be seen from the baseline making a movement with his racquet moments before Tsitsipas was about to hit a smash. The Greek’s shot went long, and while the French-Monegasque duo celebrated the point, Djokovic immediately turned to the chair umpire to demand a video review.
“Mr Djokovic requesting a video review, the video review will check if his opponent somehow distracted him during the point,” the umpire was heard saying through the microphone, prompting laughter from the spectators and even the players on court, while Rinderknech himself smiled at the unusual situation.
After the video review was played, the chair umpire decided to award the point to the Tsitsipas/Djokovic duo. “After the video review, Mr. Rinderknech moved his racquet. This is interpreted to be a hindrance, therefore point to Djokovic & Tsitsipas.”
Rinderknech and Vacherot still prevail in straight sets
The point gave Tsitsipas and Djokovic the advantage as they moved ahead 3–2 in the first set. However, it proved to be of little use, as the Rinderknech/Vacherot duo eventually secured the victory in straight sets – even saving a couple of set points against them in the opening set – before sealing their place in the quarterfinals with a 7–6(4), 7–5 win.
They will face another singles-based pairing in the next round: the Russians Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev, who survived twice in the super tie-break against the sixth seeds Roger-Vasselin/Nys and also against the pair of Korda/Auger-Aliassime.
On the other side, Tsitsipas and Djokovic – who had received a wildcard from the tournament organisers – were eliminated as early as the second round of the tournament. While the Greek will travel to the Miami Open, Djokovic remains in Indian Wells where he will play the fourth round against defending champion Jack Draper this Wednesday.
Never a dull moment in Tennis Paradise 😅
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 10, 2026
#TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/5aJOAEiwTB
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
