Novak Djokovic they want Wimbledon organizers to review his schedule after his game – and several others – were put on hold due to poor planning.
Overcrowding and curfews have made registrations for SW19 a nightmare for organisers, with a number of top matches being called off.
A strong 11pm knock has resulted in some races being held overnight.
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Djokovic was injured in his fourth match against Hubert Hurkacz when the match was stopped after just two sets.
Earlier, he raced to beat Stan Wawrinka in straight sets to prevent the match from being delayed.
“The match can be pushed to start at 12pm,” Djokovic said.
“I think it would make a difference. Obviously the curfew is probably the hardest thing to change, I understand, because of the community and the environment we live in. and
“When it’s 8pm, you know there’s a big chance you won’t finish your game.
Watch Wimbledon 2023 live and free 9 now. Alternatively, you can watch every match live, ad-free and on demand City Sportsand center stage in 4K UHD.
“I warmed up around 1 o’clock in the afternoon, like this. Should you go back to the lodging, the house next door, or stay?
“Yesterday I decided to stay. I literally stayed for seven hours waiting for my game to start. That’s a lot.”
It’s a double-edged sword for Wimbledon organisers, with the best matches often played in the afternoon or evening on the main court with a TV audience.
Wimbledon organizers said they will review the timing in their annual review, but the popular tradition is important.
When Djokovic resumed his match against Hurkacz with two sets to spare, he stumbled in the first set.
The Serbian was pushed to his limits on the Central court at SW19, winning 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (8-6), 5-7, 6-4.
After threatening to win the first two sets, Hurkacz took the third – marking the first time Djokovic had dropped a match.
However, the 26-year-old was unable to continue his efforts in the fourth when he failed.
Djokovic has reached his 14th Wimbledon quarter-finals as he bids to win his eighth Grand Slam in London.
Speaking after the match, the 23-time Grand Slam winner said the match could have been in Hurkacz’s favour.
Djokovic saw the Polish star’s best performance, as he racked up 33 aces – but it wasn’t enough to overcome the player many consider to be the GOAT.
“Well, big credit to Hubert for playing an amazing game. A tough opportunity for him today, but he did well,” said Djokovic.
“Honestly. I can’t remember the last time I felt so bad about going back, to be honest, because of his precise and powerful work.
“I mean, they have one of the best games in the world and it’s hard to read. The fastest game in the game – the grass court – it’s very much in favor of the big servers.
“It wasn’t a fun match for me, I have to say,” Djokovic laughed.
“I think, in a crucial moment, yesterday, last night, I had a chance to win that first set.
“I was 3-6 down at halftime. The match definitely could have gone the other way, but I think I held my nerve when it mattered and I’m happy to win.”
Djokovic will face Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals.
The Russian player comes into the final after a very good performance against Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik. how he shot it amazingly.
“He’s a different player than Hurkacz, for sure,” Djokovic said of Rublev.
“He’s got really strong strokes, really quick and he’s very close to the line. He’s obviously one of the best in the game.
“I don’t talk too much about strategy, sorry – maybe try to keep it to myself. I have to be ready for the match to get bigger.”
The ‘luckiest shot of all’ makes Rublev agree on a point
“It’s hard to say that it will be more difficult than what I experienced yesterday and today, but I have to be ready.
“Rublev has been a top 10 player for many years and is looking for his first Grand Slam semi-final, I hope it doesn’t happen.”
Rublev must do the seemingly impossible and end Djokovic’s 10-year winning streak on the Wimbledon court.
“In a positive way, I feel a great connection to the court — without a doubt,” he said of the center court.
“Every game I win, every time I step on the court I feel comfortable and confident to play. I hope that love continues for a long time.”
In the other quarterfinals, Italy’s Jannik Sinner will face Russia’s Roman Safiullin. His countryman Daniil Medvedev will face American Chris Eubanks.
Undoubtedly, the most interesting race will be the battle of the 20-year-olds, with Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Denmark’s Holger Rune.
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