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 Italy’s 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.



‘That’s all. I just questioned the decision from the chair umpire, actually, that he’s listening to the grounds people.


Djokovic proved too strong for Verdasco (Picture: REUTERS)

‘What I don’t like is that there is no participation of the players. So they don’t 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.

‘But, you know, it doesn’t seem like they care too much about our opinion, and that’s something I don’t like. If we reach the consensus that we should water or not, that’s okay.

‘With me, you know, that’s fine. If majority decides that it shouldn’t be watered, I’ll 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.

Verdasco was second best against Djokovic (Picture: EPA)

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

‘So, I mean, it’s 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 it’s 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 it’s a different kind of situation for me.

‘But I don’t want to stop here.’