French Open director Amelie Mauresmo breaks silence on Novak Djokovic’s complaints

During and after his match versus Francisco Cerundolo, Djokovic wasn’t happy that his request to sweep the court wasn’t granted.

French Open tournament director Amelie Mauresmo addressed the complaints Novak Djokovic made during his match versus Francisco Cerundolo, but didn’t reveal much other than stating that the umpire and supervisor also had a say and ultimately didn’t agree that the Serb’s request should be granted.

Early in the fifth set of his round-of-16 match against Cerundolo – the match during which Djokovic sustained a tear in his meniscus – Djokovic asked the court to be swept. But neither the chair umpire nor the supervisor later agreed that should happen.

During a discussion with the supervisor, Djokovic was heard saying at one point that he “as a player” felt that the court needed to be swept. After overcoming Cerundolo in five sets, Djokovic made it clear he wasn’t happy about his request not being granted and warned he may not be able to play his next match –

“I’m just trying to understand: If a player is feeling a certain way, what else do we need to wait for, for that to happen? I mean, today I injured myself. Yes, I survived. I won the match. Great. But will I be able to play next one?” Djokovic explained.

Mauresmo was asked about Djokovic’s complaints from the Cerundolo match and why his request wasn’t granted. “It’s not just the player who asks, it’s also the referee’s decision. The tournament supervisor was also on the court that day, and also made the decision not to do so (to sweep the court),” Mauresmo said. He also said, “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.”