Novak Djokovic engaged in a heated exchange with tournament officials at Wimbledon on Tuesday evening, protesting the decision to close the Centre Court roof during his match against Felix Auger-Aliassime. With the match tied at one set apiece, officials opted to shut the roof at 7:40 p.m. BST, a move the 24-time Grand Slam champion argued was inconsistent with previous tournament scheduling.
“You are so proud of your rules, that you are not sticking to any kind of rules,” Djokovic told the tournament referee during a change of ends. He specifically pointed to earlier rounds where matches were allowed to continue outdoors until 8:20 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. His opponent, Felix Auger-Aliassime, also questioned the necessity of the closure, asking officials if the match could continue outdoors even if both players were in agreement.
The decision drew commentary from BBC experts. Former doubles great Todd Woodbridge expressed confusion, stating, “Novak is right when every other night we have played to a certain point.” Meanwhile, Tim Henman suggested that tournament referee Denise Parnell likely sought a “conservative” approach to avoid forcing a mid-set stoppage later in the evening, though he acknowledged that playing conditions remained viable.