Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic’s epic semifinal was delayed due to rain on Friday evening due to rain in what is another controversial situation for the tournament’s organisers. The disruption to Saturday’s schedule will be a nuisance but not a complete disaster for organisers but for Murray,Djokovic and the fans, including those who had bought tickets to the men’s semifinals, and won’t be able to watch the conclusion match in the stadium on Saturday, it will be a huge irritation.
Murray and Djokovic were seemingly just getting started during the fourth set when the black clouds above unleashed their wrath on Court Phillipe Chatrier to the dismay of the crowd. As a result that match will resume at 13:00 GMT tomorrow with the woman’s final between Serena Williams and Lucie Safarova starting no earlier than 15:00. With Saturday promising a mouth watering line up of Tennis crowds will surely flock to Roland Garros to see out the remainder of a developing classic between Murray and Djokovic.
In all honesty the delay suits Djokovic far more than it does Murray. A rain suspension was the last thing on Djokovic’s mind when he raced into a two sets to love lead over Murray it relatively quick and comfortable style. Djokovic seemed to have things under control and was playing the aggressive style tennis that had proved so successful against Rafael Nadal. It was not until the end of the third set that Murray began to cause problems.
Djokovic had taken the first two sets 6-3, 6-3 with military efficiency. It was not until at 5-5 and Djokovic serving that Djokovic had to come off auto-pilot. Djokovic began toying with Murray and after the former attempted an audacious lob Murray swung round and ferociously rifled back a venomous forehand winner. This shot seemed to shake Djokovic as Murray rallied to break the Serb in spectacular fashion. Murray then held brilliantly in what was a stunning display of grit and determination. And it could have been a whole lot better for the Scotsman had he pushed on from a break and 2-1 up in the fourth. Djokovic then broke back but it was still Murray who was controlling the rallies with Djokovic dangling on the ropes.
Djokovic seemed to be relieved when the officials suspended play for the day. Murray also appeared pleased with the decision however it will both prove a hindrance to the players in the grand scheme of things. Whoever should go on to win will be faced with having to play for three consecutive days. This is a particular obstacle as Stanislas Wawrinka, who overcame home favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the other semifinal, will have Saturday off to refresh and scout out his potential opponent in the Final on Sunday.
Such an issue has once again raised concerns as to why Roland Garros has yet to receive an roof on either Phillipe-Chatrier or Suzanne-Lenglen. At Wimbledon rain is no longer as big an issue as the roof on Centre Court can be pulled across resulting in only a brief delay. If the tournament’s organisers do not address the issue soon then they could be faced with more public backlash considering they are booed off by the French crowds every time play is suspended due to the weather. It would also appear clear that planned renovations of the Roland Garros site need to begin soon. This in the wake of the incident where a chunk of the scoreboard on Court Phillipe-Chatrier fell on top of spectators in the match between Tsonga and Kei Nishikori. Regardless of this if organisers do not find a solution soon then the rain will quite literally continue to pour down on them and disrupt the Roland Garros Schedule.
Enjoy what you see? Check out LastWord’s full French Open coverage here. It’s the only place you’ll every need for everything French Open.
Main Photo:
