Novak Djokovic handed controversial point penalty for hindrance during Wimbledon SF against Jannik Sinner
Novak Djokovic's semifinal clash against Jannik Sinner at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships on Friday was rocked by a major moment of controversy after the Serb was handed a point penalty for hindrance.
The World No. 2 started off strong in the contest, saving multiple break points in his opening service game and immediately breaking the Italian's serve to take an early lead. He wrapped up the set 6-3.
Djokovic called for hindrance after he lets out a long grunt of effort following a backhand down the line.
He is utterly incredulous. Cannot believe he's been called for that. A short conversation with the umpire before going on.
I'm very surprised by that hindrance call. https://t.co/fTovk5tlL7
The second set once again saw Djokovic take an early break of serve, leading 2-1. In his next service game, with the scores at 15-15, the 23-time Grand Slam champion hit an impressive backhand on the stretch, following which he let out an extended grunt.
The umpire warned Novak Djokovic for hindrance because of the noise he made.
Thoughts on the decision? 🤔 https://t.co/vq1prVLxUD
Interestingly, the grunt, which began just fraction of a second after the ball left the Serb's racquet, was considered a hindrance by chair umpre Richard Haigh. In disbelief, Novak Djokovic rushed to the umpire to argue the call but quickly conceded the point without turning it into too much of a verbal tussle.
Sinner soon had break points on his opponent's serve but could not convert as Djokovic held fort to take a 3-1 lead. Interestingly, the former World No. 1 was also handed a time violation for taking too long on his serve in the same game.
Djokovic would go on to wrap up a straight-set win to reach his ninth Wimbledon fina;.
"I don't want to sound arrogant, but of course I would consider myself favorite" - Novak Djokovic
At his press conference ahead of the semifinal clash against Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic proclaimed himself the favorite for the title while making clear that he did not mean to be arrogant.
Being the most experienced player left in the tournament, the 23-time Grand Slam champion had no qualms admitting that he's the one with the target on his back.
"I don't want to sound arrogant, but of course I would consider myself favorite. Judging with the results I had in my career here, previous four occasions of Wimbledon that I won, and reaching other semifinal, so I do consider myself favorite, yes," Novak Djokovic said.
The Serb will take on Carlos Alcaraz in the final, with the Spaniard to play his first title match at the grasscourt Major.