SI

Novak Djokovic Match Interrupted by Opponent’s Ringing Phone

Dan Gartland

Tennis Channel

Corentin Moutet really needed a wake-up call during his match against Novak Djokovic at the Italian Open on Friday. And he got one—literally.

Moutet was serving in the first game of the second of his round of 64 match against Djokovic in Rome on Friday evening when the unmistakable sound of an iPhone alarm began ringing from somewhere near the court. After a brief moment of confusion as the chair umpire sought to identify the source of the noise, Moutet realized that it was actually his phone in his bag causing the disruption.

Moutet dashed over to his bag as a bemused Djokovic looked on and even jokingly put the phone to his ear before silencing the device. He returned to the court looking mortified as the crowd cheered wildly.

The alarm did nothing to help Moutet snap into gear. He dropped the game and went on to lose the match, 6–3, 6–1.

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Dan Gartland
DAN GARTLAND

Dan Gartland is the writer and editor of Sports Illustrated’s flagship daily newsletter, SI:AM, covering everything an educated sports fan needs to know. He joined the SI staff in 2014, having previously been published on Deadspin and Slate. Gartland, a graduate of Fordham University, is a former Sports Jeopardy! champion (Season 1, Episode 5).

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