Wimbledon 2023: Umpire slammed as Novak Djokovic penalised for hindrance call during win against Jannik Sinner

With 23 Grand Slam titles to his name, you might assume that Novak Djokovic has encountered nearly everything in the sport. However, even he was taken aback when he was called for hindrance during his Wimbledon semi-final due to an extended grunt. Djokovic was handed the penalty by umpire Richard Haigh during the second set of his straight sets victory over Jannik Sinner on Friday.

Ad Although the decision failed to deter Djokovic as he held service and ultimately emerged victorious 6-3 6-4 7-6(4), the Serbian reacted angrily by asking the umpire «what are you doing?», and it has sparked debatee among fellow players and commentators. WimbledonDjokovic fired up to face Alcaraz in 'the best final we could have' at Wimbledon3 HOURS AGO Djokovic – who will meet Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s final as he eyes an eighth Wimbledon title – had calmed down during his press conference but insisted he still didn’t agree with the decision. He said: “First of all, I have to accept the decision from a chair umpire.

That's it. It was quite a close call, I must say. I mean, it has never happened to me.

I've never had a hindrance call for extended grunt. “I saw the replay. I saw that my grunt finished before he hit the shot.

So I thought that chair umpire's call was not correct. I mean, my opinion. “Again, you have to accept it.” Sinner was also questioned about the incident in his press conference.

The Italian said: “Yeah, it's a call of the umpire, no? Obviously he hit the ball already, and then after he was shouting quite long and with the volume up. “I came there, obviously I was quite focused about the ball. But, yeah, players, we do this when we are quite sure we win the point with this shot.