Novak Djokovic Complains to Umpire About Shot Clock After Stefanos Tsitsipas Gets Time Violation Warning

World No.1 Novak Djokovic and World No.5 Stefanos Tsitsipas are playing a tight and high-stakes French Open 2021 final. The opening set has seen a lot of rallies and also has had Djokovic complaining as well.

While serving at 5-5, Tsitsipas received a time violation as the serve clock ended. However, it was Djokovic who complained to the umpire to delay the start of the serve clock, despite him not receiving a time violation yet. Djokovic‘s concern was that the players were playing longer rallies and hence need time to rejuvenate and hence there should be less rush in starting the serve clock.

Stefanos Tsitsipas takes the first set against Novak Djokovic in the French Open 2021 final

Tsitsipas received the warning when he was serving at a crucial juncture in the first set. At 5-4, Djokovic had just saved a set point and in turn, put pressure on Tsitsipas. But Tsitsipas gave the break away as Djokovic was serving for the set at 6-5. However, the Serbian missed out on the set as Tsitsipas was offensive and won the break back to take the opening set into the tiebreaker.

In the tiebreaker, Tsitsipas had initially taken a 4-0 lead, however, Djokovic’s prowess brought the tiebreaker back level at 5-5. From here Djokovic saw a set point saved by Tsitsipas as the tiebreaker was evenly poised at 6-6. Tsitsipas continued with confidence and won a point on his serve and forced Djokovic to concede the set point. The Greek won the tiebreaker, 8-6.

Both Djokovic and Tsitsipas had a consistent first set. Both haven’t given many free points and showcased disciplined service games. However, earlier in the set, Djokovic had a scary fall near the net. The Serbian had hit an accurate drop shot, however, Tsitsipas hit an even better drop shot cross-court to outpace Djokovic. While running, Djokovic’s shoe got caught in the clay and he fell. He had minor scratches, but then continued ahead.

Tsitsipas is playing his first Grand Slam whereas, Djokovic is playing his 29th. Tsitsipas is trying to become the fifth player to defeat Djokovic in a Grand Slam final after Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and Stan Wawrinka.

Read more: Novak Djokovic vs Stefanos Tsitsipas French Open 2021 Finals: Who Is the Chair Umpire for the Blockbuster Match