The Outspoken Novak Djokovic is Upset With Madrid’s Blue Clay

Written by: Staff on 10th May 2012

The Outspoken Novak Djokovic is Upset With Madrid’s Blue Clay

epa03211081 Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic reacts during his Madrid Masters 1.000 tournament 'Mutua Madrid Open' first round match against Spaniard Daniel-Gimeno Traver at the Caja Magica sports premises in Madrid, central Spain, on 08 May 2012. The tournament runs until 13 May. EPA/JUAN CARLOS HIDALGO |

One match on the controversial blue clay courts of Madrid has put Novak Djokovic on the warpath against a surface which he says plays like nothing in the game.

“This is not tennis. Either I need football shoes or some advice on how to play on this court,” said the steaming Serb after reaching the second round in a struggle with the surface as he held off Spain’s Daniel Gimeno-Traver 6-2, 2-6, 6-3.

“I cannot find the words to describe this court. It’s really tough to play like this on a centre court. We cannot change anything this year, but my first impressions are not good. I don’t want to be the one complaining, but I say honestly what I feel.”

With ATP boss Brad Drewett due in Madrid, it is a sure thing that the new chief will get an earful form his dis-satisfied world No. 1. Djokovic said that finding his footing on the new blue was a joke and making the change without explicit approval from top players was unjust.

“This has no similarities with red clay, it’s totally different, it’s much more slippery. The material of blue clay and red clay are different. Here you are always slipping. Most players I’ve spoken to share the opinion that the court is slippery.

“Player opinions have to be heard and considered to understand what is going on in our tennis world. This event and the decision to change to blue is an example of players not being considered and heard. Their opinions are ignored. I hope this will change in the future.

“I’ve found not any woman or man who is enthusiastic about this surface. I haven’t heard any one say they like it.”

Topics: 10sballs.com, blue clay, Daniel Gimeno Traver, Mutua Madrid tennis news, Novak Djokovic, Serbian tennis news, Sports, Tennis News