John McEnroe slams Wimbledon umpire as Novak Djokovic gets rare punishment

14 July 2023 , 16:56

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John McEnroe and Tim Henman both criticised the call (Image: BBC iPlayer)

Tennis legend John McEnroe has criticised umpire Richard Haigh for a “horrible, horrible call” after he penalised Novak Djokovic for hindrance at Wimbledon.

Djokovic reached his fifth straight Wimbledon final with a relatively comfortable straight-sets win over Jannik Sinner on Friday. But the match didn’t contain many close moments, there was one hugely contentious call.

With Djokovic 2-1 up in the second set and serving at 15-15 he reached for a backhand down the line. As he did so he let out an uncharacteristic grunt. Sinner returned the ball to Djokovic’s baseline, but Haigh believed the noise had put off the 21-year-old Italian.

Djokovic was docked a point and dropped to his knees in disbelief before being heard saying to the chair umpire: “You must be joking. Calling that in the semi-final of Wimbledon? What are you doing?”

To compound the situation further, Haigh then gave Djokovic a time violation for taking too long on his serve in the same game. McEnroe was renowned for his fiery demeanour on court during his playing days and he took Djokovic’s side in the debate.

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He said on the BBC: “First of all, did you notice that Sinner’s ball went back into the court and dropped a foot from the baseline? So how much of a hindrance could it have been? I mean come on. Then the call for a time warning in the same game…"

Former British No1 Tim Henman added: “It was bizarre. So rarely do you see a hindrance call. Sometimes in doubles when they’re talking you might get it. But in a singles situation like this, in the semis of a slam on Centre Court, it was so unexpected.”

Novak Djokovic was furious with the decision (SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images)

McEnroe then continued: “He (Djokovic) handled it admirably. Way, way better than most players. I would’ve hated it if that had been the turning point. It’s one thing if Sinner lifts his game – that’s great, competition – but not when the umpire gets in the middle of it.”

He added: “Obviously this umpire wanted his name in the paper. I mean, come on! But fortunately, Novak held. It would’ve been a real shame if he hadn't held there.”

Speaking after booking his place in a Wimbledon final for the ninth time, Djokovic said: “The hindrance call could have changed the course of the match. I felt nervous about the call of the umpire but regrouped.

"It is the first time in my career this has happened to me, I don’t normally have an extended grunt. Maybe it was an echo from the roof. I didn’t feel I was causing a hindrance but I have to respect the umpire’s decision.”

Felix Keith