Novak Djokovic Calls The Rome Center Court “Dangerous”
Despite making his second straight final, Novak Djokovic isn’t happy with the Centrale court conditions this week in Rome. We’ve seen the maintenance crew out numerous times, not just for Novak’s matches, tending to holes and inconsistent spots on the clay surface.
Djokovic went on to explain the issues with these lashing quotes to AFP.
“It’s obvious the court is not where it’s supposed to be condition-wise,” Djokovic said to AFP. “Last year was better, this year, as I understand, they started making the court too late, a few weeks ago.
“And it’s not enough for a professional tournament and a Masters 1000 event. So I hope for next year they will prepare it better because once you start playing there’s not much you can do.
“We had some places where the holes are really deep… it’s not just for the serve, if you make those holes and you’re sliding and getting into that hole, you can twist your ankle easily.
“That was my point, that it’s dangerous to really play in these conditions just overall for injuries. Not just for myself, for everybody.”
Djokovic will play Federer this afternoon in the final. And Federer, too, had his complaints.
“The problem is, it kind of breaks away, so that’s not ideal. When it happens once or twice, three times, you get a bit worried,” said Federer yesterday.
“I don’t think it’s going to be an issue tomorrow it’s the end of the tournament now and they’ll do everything they can.”
Maria Sharapova, who just won her third Rome title, also remarked the court was in poor shape.
You Might Like:
Djokovic Drops Hammer On Madrid Courts, Calls Center Court “Impossible To Move On”
Roger Federer: “We Need A Clown For This Circus” [Video]
Most Aces Hit In A Tennis Match – Karlovic Fires 3-Set Record 44 In Zagreb [Chart]
Every Time Roger Federer Has Won Dubai He’s Gone On To Win Wimbledon!
Stan Wawrinka: Winning The French Open Was The Greatest Moment In My Career