Roland Garros crowd sent into jubilation as officials allow spectators to STAY to watch the conclusion of Novak Djokovic’s semi-final win over Rafael Nadal as Sir Andy Murray slams 11pm curfew set at the French Open: ‘Why does tennis do this to itself?’
- Roland Garros was sent into jubilation after being allowed to stay in attendance
- The French Open has observed a strict 11pm curfew during evening sessions
- Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic’s semi-final exceeded the curfew time
- However, officials opted against forcing fans to leave the semi-final clash
- Sir Andy Murray hit out at the curfew on Twitter during Friday night’s match
Tennis fans were sent into jubilation on Friday night after French authorities disregarded a curfew to allow spectators remain to watch the conclusion of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic’s semi-final.
An 11pm (10pm UK time) curfew has been in place for evening sessions during the tournament, with fans forced to leave on Wednesday night during Djokovic’s quarter-final against Matteo Berrettini.
The same strict curfew was in place for Djokovic’s last four meeting with Nadal and there were fears from the outset that the same issue may be confronted as a result of the thrilling action throughout the first two sets on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Tennis fans were sent into jubilation after officials’ U-turn on 11pm curfew at the French Open
Novak Djokovic’s semi-final with Rafael Nadal risked going beyond the strict curfew imposed
Three-time Grand Slam winner Sir Andy Murray took to Twitter to question the 11pm curfew, prior to the scenes that unfolded on Friday night.
Can’t believe this match is going to finish with zero crowd,’ he tweeted. ‘Why does tennis do this to itself?’
After the Serb held his nerve to take the third set in a tie break, there was a pause in play as officials sought to move spectators out of the stadium.
After Djokovic won the third set, fans were asked to leave before officials changed their minds
Sir Andy Murray hit out at the rule, questioning: ‘why does tennis do this to itself?’ on Twitter
They were met by a chorus of boos from the 5,000-strong crowd and after a brief discussion, it was announced that the fans would be allowed to stay for the remainder of the match.
The news was greeted with a rendition of the French national anthem as Djokovic kept his cool to take the fourth set and defeat the King of Clay at Roland Garros.
That decision avoided the bizarre scenes of midweek in which fans were forced out after Berrettini won the third set against Djokovic in Paris.
The Parisian crowd had backed the Italian throughout the contest, to the ire of Djokovic, but following their departure the Serb composed himself to see off his rival.
Fans stayed in place as Djokovic secured a huge win to knock the King of Clay out in Paris