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Novak Djokovic Calls Out Tennis "Embarrassing" Rules

Novak Djokovic wants rules changed after a controversial call at the Cincinnati Open.

Pat Benson

Novak Djokovic wants rules changed in tennis.
Novak Djokovic wants rules changed in tennis. / Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

Tennis has had better summers. Between the injuries, the schedule issues, and controversial calls, it feels like a lot of change is needed in the sport.

Even the greatest player of all time wants rules changed. Novak Djokovic slammed tennis rules after a controversial match point in Jack Draper's win over Felix Auger-Aliassime in the Cincinnati Open.

Djokovic posted on X, formerly Twitter, "It's embarrassing that we don't have video replay of these kind of situations on the court. What's even more ridiculous is that we don't have the rule in place that would allow chair umpires to change the original call based on the video review that happens off the court!"

Djokovic continued, "Everyone who watches TV sees what happened on the replay, yet the players on the court are kept in "dark" not knowing what's the outcome. We have Hawkeye for line calls, we live in the technologically advanced 21st century! Please (praying hands emoji) respective Tours, make sure this nonsense never happens again!"

Djokovic is not shy about defending the sport he loves and calling it out issues where change is needed. Love or hate him, Djokokic continues to be an excellent ambassador of the sport.

Most players would agree with Djokovic on his stance as well. Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz recently had issues with umpires as well, which led them to asking for rule changes.

Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport.

Further Reading: Iga Swiatek says there are too many tournaments in the WTA schedule.

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Pat Benson

PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers the sneaker industry for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Previously, he has reported on the NBA, authored "Kobe Bryant's Sneaker History (1996-2020)," and interviewed some of the biggest names in the sports world. You can email him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

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