Djokovic: Hole Is Sign Centre Court Getting Worse

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Djokovic: Hole Is Sign Centre Court Getting Worse

Novak Djokovic encountered a new obstacle during his Wimbledon fourth-round victory. The three-time champion was bothered by a hole in the court near the baseline.

After dispatching Adrian Mannarino, 6-2, 7-6 (5), 6-4, to advance to his 39th career Grand Slam quarterfinal, Djokovic said Centre Court “is not in great condition” and contends the court is getting more chewed up as the tournament progresses.

Watch: Djokovic Reaches Wimbledon Quarterfinals

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

“Many players, I mean, I'm not the only one, have been complaining a little bit about this condition of the court. But the end of the day it is what it is. You have to accept it. You have to deal with it. It's the same for both players.

“The fact is that, you know, the court is not in a great condition. But, you know, as I said, you have to deal with it. I don't think much can be done and what can be done.”

The second-seeded Serbian said he informed the chair umpire of the hole.

“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,” Djokovic said. “He wanted me to show him, so I showed him. His reaction wasn't that great.

“Well, I guess, you know, 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.”

The three-time Wimbledon champion said he doesn’t view the divot in the turf as a safety issue, but points out it does elicit some funky bounces.

“Today, I must admit under the roof it was a bit more slippery in the back of the court especially,” Djokovic said. “Whether it's a safety issue? I don't think it is as much as it is hindrance to the play. There is an uneven surface around it, no grass area basically around the baseline. It's quite uneven. The ball bounces there, it's a gamble to really get that ball.”

Photo credit: Michael Steele/Getty

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