Novak Djokovic featured in a rare doubles draw at Indian Wells, playing alongside Stefanos Tsitsipas, and the star-studded pairing were drawn into a controversial moment when the Serbian megastar called for a video review that prompted laughter in the stands.
Facing French opponents Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot a bizarre act by Rinderknech during a point that ended with a Tsitsipas shot that went long drew the ire of Djokovic.
After a review, the point was awarded to Djokovic and Tsitsipas, with the umpire ruling that the Greek’s error was caused by distraction.
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In the midst of an intense rally, Rinderknech stood on the baseline and made a movement with his racquet while Tsitsipas prepared to smash the ball in his direction.
Arthur Rinderknech waves his racquet at the far end of the court as Stefanos Tsitsipas goes to hit the ball. YouTube
Djokovic was fast to point out the act, immediately requesting a review for hindrance.
“Djokovic is requesting a video review. The vide review will check if his opponent somehow distracted him during the point,” the umpire announced.
The 24-time grand slam champion was then seen speaking with Rinderknech at the net while the review went on, with the French star replicating his movements for Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic pleas with the umpire after a rival’s act of hinderance. YouTube
But a replay of the incident showed that Rinderknech did in fact wave his racquet around on the baseline, just as Djokovic had observed. Tsitsipas then hit his shot long.
Rinderknech smiled throughout the unusual encounter, but did at one point plead his own case to the umpire.
The chair umpire then confirmed the official decision of the review.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia (R) and Stefanos Tsitsipas between points against Arthur Rinderknech and Valentin Vacherot. Getty
“After the video review, Rinderknech moved his racquet. This is interpreted to be a hindrance, therefore point to Djokovic and Tsitsipas,” he said.
A cheer from the stands then echoed around the venue while Rinderknech laughed.
But that point was not enough to secure the Serbian superstar and Tsitsipas victory.
Rinderknech and Vacherot went on to dominate the rest of the match, winning 7-6(4), 7-5.
The pair will take on another pairing of singles specialists, Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev, in the third round.
Djokovic will shift his focus to the singles tournament at Indian Wells. Tsitsipas will travel to compete at the Miami Open.