Cameron Norrie speaks out on spat with Novak Djokovic during pre-French Open clash
ROLAND GARROS — Cameron Norrie has suggested that Novak Djokovic overreacted to their fractious clash two weeks ago in Rome – and says they have not spoken since.
Norrie was beaten 6-3 6-4 by the world No 3 in his last match before the French Open, where there is a slim chance that he could face him again if both players reach the semi-finals.
The British No 1 drew an angry stare and frustrated post-match comments from Djokovic after he hit the Serb on the leg with an overhead smash, despite the fact he had turned his back and effectively conceded the point.
“I apologised straightaway and I didn’t see him,” Norrie said.
“I looked up and hit the ball down low. I didn’t see him turn and concede the point. I wanted to win.
“It was one of those matches where he’s one of the best players in the world and I wanted to play my best and compete as hard as I could. Going into the French Open, one of the last tournaments.
“So it was good to play him before the French. I don’t have anything to say and he played better than me and I think there’s a lot to learn from the match.”
Djokovic described Norrie’s behaviour as “not fair play” and breaking the locker room code about “how we treat each other”, complaining about the medical timeout taken late in the match and Norrie’s celebrations after winning points.
“I didn’t think I was in his face at all,” Norrie added.
“I think if anyone knows me, I’m pretty vocal in some matches and in other matches, no. It was a regular tennis match for me. I was feeling my hip a little bit and I took the medical timeout. It is within the rules.”
Norrie also pointed out that Djokovic had an obligation to start the match on time. The pair were called at the top of the hour but did not walk out on court until 13 minutes past. Norrie asked the ATP whether that was allowed and was informed that as long as a player is ready within 15 minutes, they cannot be defaulted.
“He wanted some more time on the physio bed and the match was scheduled for 11am,” Norrie said.
“And we walked out maybe 11.12am, 11.13am, I don’t think he saw any problem with that. He never said anything to me. And he never apologised.
“I’ve never seen that before but I think it’s within the rules from what they said.”
It would make for intriguing background to a potential Wimbledon semi-final rematch, but there is still some way to go before that.
Norrie must first make it past Lucas Pouille, the French qualifier, in the second round on Wednesday, while Djokovic faces Marton Fucsovics of Hungary.
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