'Stupidest Rule Change': Novak Djokovic Explodes Over Controversial Alexander Zverev Hindrance Call | VIDEO
Novak Djokovic was left seething during his clash against Alexander Zverev after a bizarre hindrance decision sparked a heated argument on court. The controversy erupted when Zverev claimed that a changing image on a side LED screen distracted him during a point, despite continuing the rally before eventually missing his forehand. The chair umpire accepted Zverev’s explanation and ordered the…
Novak Djokovic erupted in frustration during his match against Alexander Zverev following a contentious hindrance call. The dispute arose when Zverev alleged that a shifting image on a side LED screen disrupted his concentration during a point, even though he continued the rally and eventually hit a forehand that he missed. The chair umpire agreed with Zverev's claim and ordered the point to be replayed, infuriating Djokovic.
The Serbian questioned why Zverev waited until after losing the point to raise the issue, asking, "Get his ass." Djokovic contended that Zverev should have halted play immediately if the LED screen truly distracted him. Zverev refuted his claim, stating he was uncertain about the rules regarding challenges due to the distraction.
Djokovic deemed the ruling one of the "stupidest rule changes" he had ever encountered, arguing that players should stop play immediately when bothered by something. "If a player is bothered by something, they stop immediately. Otherwise, we could rally for 30 shots, lose the point, and say: 'Okay, now I'll challenge.'" Djokovic's victory over Zverev extended his winning streak at the China Open to 32 matches, surpassing Rafael Nadal's 31-match unbeaten run at Roland Garros.
Written by urgent.news from Free Press Journal's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.