As always during a tournament, Novak Djokovic has been in the news of late as he eyes a record 25th Grand Slam title. In the lead up to the French Open, the Serbian legend won the Geneva Open by defeating Hubert Hurkacz in the summit clash. The former World Number 1 now arrives at Roland Garros in fine form, with a strong chance to add another major title to his display cabinet. With Djokovic opening his campaign today, there was a major controversy caused during his match, which invited the wrath of Serena Williams’ ex-coach, Rennae Stubbs.

Earlier today, the playing conditions at the French Open turned out to be quite windy. Additionally, dark clouds gathered over the stadium, with drizzle starting to show while Djokovic’s match against Mackenzie McDonald was underway. Subsequently, there was an option for the organizers to close the roof and continue play on Court Philippe-Chatrier, where the Serb was playing. However, Djokovic debated with the chair umpire if the roof should be closed. Further, he also received a time violation for delay, and the incident became a talking point on social media.

Even Serena Williams’ ex-coach, Rennae Stubbs, made her displeasure felt and slammed Novak Djokovic for this controversy. Taking to her Twitter account, Stubbs wrote, “If they’re still playing on the outside courts, you should still be playing on center court. Even if you have a roof, you cannot have preference for what u want. It’s not fair to everyone else and your opponent.”

Further, she went on to add, “I’ll say it again. This is SO UNFAIR to every other player playing out there on the outside courts. Nonsense from the referee. He should say, too bad, u have to play no one else is stopping outside. Yes the weather sucks, the wind sucks but i can tell u, this is unfair for others.”

Even before the tournament, Novak Djokovic was in the news after his strong remarks against the French Open organizers over the use of technology. The tournament’s organizers decided to stick with human line judges instead of an electronic line calling system, which Djokovic didn’t agree with and made his displeasure felt during an interview.

Novak Djokovic calls out the snub of electronic line calling system

Most of the tournaments these days use technology to make the decision of whether the ball has landed inside or outside the line. This includes the Grand Slam events as well, barring the French Open. The clay-court Grand Slam event has been using the traditional human line judges to make the decisions of the same instead of the electronic line calling system. This didn’t go down well with Novak Djokovic, who called out this decision by the organizers.

He revealed, “Well first I will say that I understand the people who are more traditionalist, and who like to have the line umpires on the court. I think it’s part of our culture and tradition that has been there for decades, and I do understand that aspect of it. It’s hard to make certain changes or want to give everything away to technology. But, if I have to choose between the two I’m the more proponent of technology.”

Nonetheless, Novak Djokovic wanted to put these controversies behind him and focus on winning the tournament. His first-round match is currently underway and Djokovic has taken a two-set lead.