Djokovic erupts at the umpire and Zverev: “The most idiotic rule I have ever seen in my life!”

A replayed point at the German’s request enraged the former world No. 1, who in the end won the ATP match in Beijing, qualifying for the semifinals.

There were tense moments in the ATP quarterfinal in Beijing between Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev (the Serb won in three sets). It all happened at the start of the match, with a break in the German’s favour as he led 2-1. Zverev lost the point and complained to the umpire that at the moment of his serve he had been distracted by an image changing on one of the side LED screens.

Umpire Adel Nour sided with him and ordered the point to be replayed. And at that moment Djokovic did not hold back: “It is one of the most idiotic rules I have ever seen in my life. It makes no sense. If a player is bothered, he stops immediately. Otherwise, we can play a 30-shot rally, lose the point and then say ‘Well, now I’m going to complain’.”

A few seconds later the Serbian tennis player returned to the court with an ironic laugh, shaking his head. In the end, Zverev lost the disputed point.