Unimpressed Djokovic into Wimbledon quarters

Novak Djokovic was already supposed to have played his fourth-round match against Adrian Mannarino.

But with Monday’s No.1 Court epic between Rafael Nadal and Gilles Muller extending almost five hours, and Djokovic’s match not transferred to a vacant Centre Court, the Serb was forced return on Tuesday to play.

He completed the men’s quarterfinal line-up after brushing aside Adrian Mannarino 6-2 7-6(4) 6-4 in a largely uninspiring match more notable for Djokovic’s post-match interview with the BBC.

As if #Wimbledon has not had enough problems in the last 24 hours. Djokovic on the condition of Centre Court: pic.twitter.com/kXBcoi2Uqf

— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) July 11, 2017

Earlier in the same interview, Djokovic made it clear he was less than impressed to be playing 24 hours after his rivals to earn a quarterfinal berth.

But earn it he did in a match played beneath the Centre Court roof on a showery, grey London day.

“I just think it was a wrong decision not to play us last night, because we could have played. I think the last match on the Centre Court was done before 7:00pm. Having in mind that Centre Court has the roof and lights, we could have played till 11:00pm,” he said. “I just didn’t see any logic in not playing us on the Centre Court.”

A day later on that same court, there were some exciting patches of play between Djokovic – arriving at Wimbledon as the Eastbourne champion and on seven-match winning streak – and Mannarino, the Antalya finalist who’d won seven of his past eight grasscourt matches.

Yet for the most part, the two men engaged in tepid rallies during which they guided and poked their shots rather than hit them.

Djokovic called an early medical time out to take some tablets. Mannarino clutched at and flexed out his lower back.

The world No.51 trailed by a set and a break but clawed a break back in the second set, eventually leading 4-2 in the tiebreak. He promptly dropped four straight points and was soon down two-sets-to-love.

In the third game, Djokovic stretched for a backhand on the run and played a magnificent passing shot winner to break serve for a 2-1 lead, letting out a roar in celebration.

And despite the Serb requiring two more visits from the trainer – this time to treat a shoulder injury – in the third set, Mannarino was still unable to make an impact.

Djokovic held onto his break advantage and closed out victory in two hours, 13 minutes.

In his post-match media conference, Djokovic was asked to expand on his issues with the playing surface.

“As you all know, grass is probably the most demanding and complex surface for maintenance. The more you play on it, the worse it actually gets, unfortunately, contrary to clay, for example,” Djokovic answered.

“Many players, I mean, I’m not the only one, have been complaining a little bit about this condition of the court. The fact is that the court is not in a great condition. But as I said, you have to deal with it. I don’t think much can be done and what can be done.

“The chair umpire in the end of the match asked me about the hole, because midway through the match I mentioned there is a hole. He wanted me to show him, so I showed him. His reaction wasn’t that great (smiling).

“I guess groundsmen and everyone is doing their best. I have no doubt that they are giving their best to have the court in a most playable condition possible at this moment.

“But, you know, it is what it is.”