Done Deal: Novak Djokovic Has Signed Four Year Contract With…………..read more.

Done Deal: Novak Djokovic Has Signed Four Year Contract With…………..read more.

Novak Djokovic has advocated for the adoption of video replay in tennis following a controversial finish to Jack Draper’s match at the Cincinnati Open, which sparked a broader discussion about the use of replays in the sport.

Draper, the British No. 1, secured a spot in the quarter-finals by defeating Félix Auger-Aliassime of Canada 5-7, 6-4, 6-4. However, the match concluded amid a heated dispute, with Auger-Aliassime arguing that Draper’s winning volley had touched the ground first. Umpire Greg Allensworth, unable to review the point due to the lack of video replay, ruled in favor of Draper.

The court supervisor was called but couldn’t overturn the decision without replays, and Draper, who didn’t see the point clearly, refused to concede the point without confirmation of an incorrect call. Auger-Aliassime expressed frustration, stating, “It’s going to go everywhere now and it’s going to look ridiculous.”

Stefanos Tsitsipas, a two-time Grand Slam finalist, shared a video of the point on X, noting, “I don’t think I have ever seen a shot like this.” Djokovic responded by calling for regular video reviews to avoid such issues, writing, “It’s embarrassing that we don’t have video replay of these situations on the court. What’s even more ridiculous is that we don’t have a rule allowing chair umpires to change the original call based on off-court video reviews! Everyone watching on TV sees the replay, while players on court are left in the dark. We have Hawk-Eye for line calls, we live in the technologically advanced 21st century! Please, respective Tours, ensure this never happens again!”

Draper’s Cincinnati Open journey ended with a 4-6, 2-6 loss to Holger Rune in the quarter-finals. Rune, having secured the first set with a single break, broke Draper’s serve early in the second set and saved three break points to finish the match.

Rune will face Frances Tiafoe next, following Hubert Hurkacz’s retirement in their match. The top seed, Jannik Sinner, will compete against Alexander Zverev in the other semi-final.

In the women’s tournament, Iga Swiatek came from behind to defeat Mirra Andreeva 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, earning a semi-final spot against Aryna Sabalenka. Jessica Pegula will face Paula Badosa after winning their quarter-finals.