PARIS — World tennis No 1 Novak Djokovic called for Roland Garros to install floodlights to help clear the backlog of rain-hit matches and claimed that a five-year wait to have a roof-covered showcourt was too long.
Report by Reuters
Top seed Djokovic only got on court at just after 1830 on Tuesday to kick off his 2013 campaign in Paris where he seeks a first Roland Garros title and to become just the eighth man to complete the career Grand Slam.
In all, 13 matches were held over to yesterday while three others were suspended due to darkness after rain delays of four hours played havoc with the schedule.
Djokovic believes that the 2018 target for a retractable roof to built on the showpiece Court Philippe Chatrier is not the most pressing concern even if a covered centre court will bring the tournament into line with the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
“It seems a long way from now, but it is what it is. And at least for the future of our sport we’re gonna have all centre courts covered except the US Open. We’re gonna need that as well,” said the Serb.
“I think what is more needed here is the lights on the centre court, because, you know, you stop play at 9:00, 9:30 because you can’t see anymore.
“So at least you could have lights so the play can go for a few more hours. And I believe that’s not something that is big comparing to the project of the roof. So I hope it’s gonna happen in the next year or two.”
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A roof on the main Court Philippe Chatrier is the centrepiece of a controversial ₤340-million project to expand and improve the cramped Roland Garros site in the west of Paris.
Court Suzanne Lenglen, the complex’s second show court, will be renovated, a new 5 000-seater arena will be built as will a new training centre.
Djokovic, the runner-up to Rafael Nadal last year, started his campaign by beating David Goffin of Belgium 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, 7-5 to reach the second round.
“I warmed up five or six times because of the rain, then you have to adjust your tactics because of the damp conditions,” said Djokovic, who next faces Guido Pella of Argentina, the world number 83.
“You need to step into the court and hit the ball. He did really well, played some nice tennis. It was tough, I had to fight, but I played my best tennis when I had to.”
