Share

Djokovic moves to semis

New York - World number one Novak Djokovic criticised the decision to stage the US Open final on Monday for a fourth successive year, claiming it will impact next weekend's Davis Cup programme.

If top seed Djokovic reaches the title match for a second straight year, he will then dash to Belgrade to play for defending champions Serbia in their Davis Cup semi-final against Argentina starting on Friday.

After a week where two days were washed out and with the likes of champion Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray, in the opposite side of the draw to Djokovic, facing playing on four successive days, it was decided to extend the schedule.

"I'm not really happy about that, to be honest. I'm not, because there is always Davis Cup the weekend after," said Djokovic after reaching the semi-finals with a four-set win over compatriot Janko Tipsarevic on Thursday

"Last year I played finals and finished very late on Monday. Took off Tuesday, arrived on Wednesday, and had to play on Friday already, Saturday. How that is possible? It's just too much."

Djokovic, who will have Friday off and also Sunday should he make the final, admitted that he did have a slight advantage over rivals like Nadal and Murray who will play their last-eight matches on Friday.

"For the top half it has to be an advantage because we finished our fourth round a couple days ago, and then today I finished my quarter-final and I have a day off until my semi, where the other guys have to play day after day," he said.

"That's the way it is. You can't fight it. You can't complain. It's Mother Nature that doesn't allow us."

Earlier on Thursday, the US Tennis Association released a revised schedule for the remainder of the tournament.

The men's final is now scheduled to start on Monday, with the women's final pushed back from Saturday to Sunday.

Players in the bottom half of the men's draw, led by defending champion and second seed Nadal, had complained bitterly after their fourth-round matches were postponed from Tuesday to Thursday.

They claimed they faced a huge disadvantage in having to potentially play four best-of-five-set matches in four days to lift the trophy.

The two quarter-finals from the other side of the draw were being played on Thursday.

The men's quarter-finals will now be completed on Friday and the semi-finals played as usual on Saturday.

The women will play their semi-finals on Saturday night, which would have been the slot for their final.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE