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Novak Djokovic takes swipe at French Open officials

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Novak Djokovic takes swipe at French Open officials — Djokovic was frustrated by the officials (Picture: AP)

Novak Djokovic hit out at the lack of involvement players have in any decision regarding the management of the French Open courts, having raised the issue with match officials during his fourth round match against Fernando Verdasco.

The Serb – who meets Italys Marco Cecchinato next – had questioned the chair umpire over the decision taken not to water the courts after the first set and insisted that the lack of input from the players themselves made no sense.

It was a very warm day, and after the first set they decided not to water the court, which I thought it was not the right decision, he said after the 6-3 6-4 6-2 win over the Spaniard.

Thats all. I just questioned the decision from the chair umpire, actually, that hes listening to the grounds people.

Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 3, 2018 Serbia's Novak Djokovic in action during his fourth round match against Spain's Fernando Verdasco REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes — Djokovic proved too strong for Verdasco (Picture: REUTERS)

What I dont like is that there is no participation of the players. So they dont ask players whether – you know, we are the ones who are playing and sliding and not sliding, so we can give them the most important feedback.

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But, you know, it doesnt seem like they care too much about our opinion, and thats something I dont like. If we reach the consensus that we should water or not, thats okay.

With me, you know, thats fine. If majority decides that it shouldnt be watered, Ill be okay with the decision. But I think we deserve to be part of it.

While Djokovic found himself somewhat vexed by the situation, he remained in good spirits after reaching a ninth consecutive quarter-final at Roland Garros, particularly after such a difficult year due to his elbow injury.

But he warned the rest of the draw that he is by no means done yet in the French capital.

epa06782916 Fernando Verdasco of Spain plays Novak Djokovic of Serbia during their men???s round of 16 match during the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, 03 June 2018. EPA/CAROLINE BLUMBERG — Verdasco was second best against Djokovic (Picture: EPA)

Yeah, its important for me, obviously, especially considering all the circumstances that I was in in the last 15 months, he added.

So, I mean, its quite an achievement to get to the quarters of a slam for me, and I always played well in slams. I always try to kind of build my form in order to peak at the slams.

As I said, Rome was the best tournament I have played so far this year, and now Roland Garros is probably even better. Hopefully its going to get even better.

I have been many, many times in quarters of Roland Garros and all the slams, and of course I do appreciate it, considering its a different kind of situation for me.

But I dont want to stop here.