Novak Djokovic expressed frustration and surprise after Wimbledon officials decided to close the roof on Centre Court during his quarter-final match against Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Djokovic, who was aiming to win his record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title, held his nerve to win a tense tight-break in the first set against Auger-Aliassime.
The Canadian world number four levelled the match in the second set, prompting the decision to close the roof ahead of the third set.
Djokovic questioned the move, asking tournament official Denise Parnell for clarification, and expressed disappointment at the inconsistency in the tournament's roof closure policy.
Djokovic said, "Why now? The other day you didn't want to close it until like 8.30 but now you want to close it? You don't want to get to 8.30? It's 7.40 now, we could play a whole new set in that time."
Djokovic also questioned the rules governing the roof closure, saying, "You guys are so proud of your rules and you're not sticking to any kind of rules. We have no idea what the rule is. This is an outdoor tournament."
BBC commentator Nick Mullins described the exchange as a "very uncomfortable conversation," with several former players also expressing surprise at the decision.
Former Wimbledon doubles champion Todd Woodbridge said, "Novak Djokovic is right about the roof situation. There is at least another 40 minutes of sunlight, you can play a set of tennis in that time."
Former British number one Tim Henman offered a possible explanation for the roof closing, saying, "Djokovic doesn't necessarily want the interruption and I think previously he didn't think the light was particularly good [when the roof closed]."
Henman suggested that the decision to close the roof may have been made to avoid having the delay at a less convenient time, such as during a changeover.
