Novak Djokovic Left Fuming After Sudden Lights Change In His Australian Open Win
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Novak Djokovic was left unhappy after the floodlights on the Rod Laver Arena were switched on during the second set of his match against Jaime Faria.
Djokovic was expected to win his second round contest against Faria comfortably. However, it turned out to be a competitive battle, with the Portuguese player considerably outperforming his ranking throughout the match.
The ten-time Australian Open champion eventually prevailed 6-1, 6-7, 6-3, 6-2. Like many players who perform above their usual level on the big stage, Faria eventually ran out of steam in the fourth set, allowing Djokovic to dominate.
It was the 37-year-old's second match with Andy Murray watching him. Djokovic surprised tennis fans worldwide by appointing his former rival in November last year despite the Briton's lack of coaching experience.
Although Murray has never previously coached a player, Djokovic thinks the two-time Olympic gold medalist is the perfect fit because he can relate to the pressures of competing on the most significant stages for the biggest prizes.
Some have been interested to see whether Djokovic, who is known for venting towards his team during stressful moments, would shout at Murray given the pair's history. The Briton insists he would have no issue with that if the 24-time major champion was trying his best.
However, that has not happened yet. Instead, Djokovic reserved his frustration for the umpire and those in charge of the floodlights when they were unexpectedly turned on in the second set of the match against Faria.
After an incredible 29-shot rally, Djokovic held for 5-5. Faria's outstanding level throughout the set, which he eventually won, made it the most tense part of the match for the former ATP world No. 1, which made him particularly unhappy about the floodlights suddenly coming on.
Djokovic initially spoke to the Croatian umpire Marija Ciciak in Serbian. He waved his arms and talked animatedly, pointing at the floodlights and asking why they had been switched on during a set. The umpire attempted to explain the situation calmly.
Faria then came to the net, where he and Djokovic discussed the situation. The umpire explained that the two men needed to agree to turn off the lights until the second set was completed.
After another brief discussion, Djokovic and Faria agreed to turn off the lights. Djokovic then walked to his chair and said he would play again when the lights were turned off again.
However, he and the crowd did not have to wait long. The umpire swiftly called those responsible for managing the lights, and they were switched off. That was met with loud cheers from the fans inside the Rod Laver Arena.
Although incidents involving umpires are common with Djokovic, his bemusement here was understandable. Turning the lights on at 5 5, which was not even a changeover, seemed strange.
That did not affect his ability to reach the third round. Djokovic faces a challenging matchup against Tomas Machac, who won their last meeting at last year's Geneva Open.
