Novak Djokovic sparked controversy during his opening match at the 2025 French Open yesterday when he halted play due to windy and rainy conditions on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
The world No. 6 approached the umpire during his first-round clash with American Mackenzie McDonald, demanding the roof be closed as clay was blowing in his eyes.
The dispute escalated to the point where the tournament supervisor was called to the court to address the situation.
The three-time champion in Paris was seen in conversation with the chair umpire Damien Dumusois during the changeover at 3-2.
Novak Djokovic was not happy amid testing weather conditions at the French Open
Reuters
Djokovic remained unhappy when he retreated to the baseline, explaining that the clay was blowing into his eyes.
"If you are not happy to play, we stop. I've called him and he's on the way, you can speak to him. We wait and he's coming," Dumusois told the sixth seed before supervisor Ali Nili arrived on court.
"We have a roof," the Serb pointed out during their discussion.
Commentator Miles Maclagan noted during the broadcast: "If I'm Mackenzie McDonald and I'm hearing that, I'm pushing very hard to keep the roof open."
McDonald eventually also raised complaints about the conditions, and officials ultimately gave permission to close the roof, which takes approximately 15 minutes to fully shut.
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Despite the weather controversy, Djokovic went on to secure a comfortable victory over McDonald, winning 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.
The sixth seed immediately broke his opponent after the dispute about the conditions.
Fresh off winning his 100th career title in Geneva just days ago, Djokovic began his quest for a 25th Grand Slam title and fourth Roland Garros crown with a straightforward win over the world No. 98.
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Novak Djokovic's complaints led to the match being postponed for 15 minutes
Reuters
The victory sets up a second-round match against either Corentin Moutet or qualifier Clement Tabur.
This is the 21st straight French Open appearance for Djokovic, who turned 38 last week, and remarkably, he has never lost a first-round match in Paris.
His victory over McDonald extended his perfect record to 21-0 in French Open opening rounds.
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Novak Djokovic went on to land victory to maintain his perfect first-round record at the French Open
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It is the most main draw appearances of any man at Roland Garros to never lose in the opening round.
The Serb has also never lost a first-round match at Wimbledon or the US Open, boasting 19-0 and 18-0 records respectively.
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