Novak Djokovic penalised a point for ‘hindrance’ after celebrating early in Wimbledon 2023 semi-final
CENTRE COURT — Novak Djokovic was left seething at British umpire Richard Haigh after he docked him a point in the Wimbledon semi-final for what he deemed a hindrance.
Djokovic was already a set and a break up on 21-year-old Jannik Sinner when he thought he had hit a clean backhand winner down the line, roaring in celebration as it landed on Sinner’s side of the net.
But the Italian made good ground across the court and in fact returned the ball in, by which point Haigh had already called “hindrance” and awarded Sinner the point.
“What are you doing?!” Djokovic said as he approached the umpire’s chair to question the decision. But he soon accepted Haigh’s explanation and walked back to the baseline to prepare to serve.
On the BBC’s TV coverage of the match, doubles legend Todd Woodbridge said he felt the decision was “rough” on Djokovic.
“I feel like Richard’s been waiting to make that call,” Woodbridge said.
“I’m not sure it’s worth him interjecting in this match like he has just done. He could have maybe just had a word with Novak in the changeover [saying] ’just be aware’. That’s rough.”
Haigh was involved again just a few points later at deuce when he adjudged that Djokovic had taken more than 25 seconds between points, warning him for a time violation. A second such violation in the match would have cost him a first serve, and a third would be a point penalty.
“I have no issue with that,” Woodbridge added, and it appeared Djokovic also thought he was bang to rights, with the shot clock having expired, as he did not appear to question the decision.
Despite the double disruption, Djokovic held for a 3-1 lead in the second set nevertheless, although it was noticeable that even after such a fraught service hold, he showed almost no emotion as he walked to his chair, and similarly gave little reaction when sealing the second set 6-4 to take a two-set lead for the 250th time in his career. Staggeringly, only once in that time has he lost.
