The talking point of Novak Djokovic’s latest win at the US Open as much as about the humidity as it was about his triumph.
On what was another hot and humid night at the Arthur Ashe stadium, Djokovic was leading Australian’s John Millman by 6-3, 2-2. Then in a usual move, Millman approached the former world No.1 at the net and asked if he could walk off the court to change his kit, which was soaked in sweat. Even though it was not at a changeover. Millman was allowed to leave the court during what was a six-and-a-half minute delay.
“I could do with a rest,” Djokovic said during the scenario.
The somewhat unorthodox delay triggered a statement being issued by the USTA, who is in charge of the US Open. In it, they said that Millman was allowed to leave the court during the set in accordance to the ‘Equipment Out of Adjustment’ rule that was enforced. Meaning the world No.55 wouldn’t be charged with either an official change of attire or a bathroom break.
“The chair determined that the surface was dangerous enough to invoke the ‘Equipment Out of Order’ provision in the ITF Durites and Procedures for officials and allowed Millman to go off court and change shoes/clothes. Both players agreed that he should do so.” The USTA statement read.
It is not the first time players have been suffering with the conditions at the tournament this year. Roger Federer said that he felt like he ‘couldn’t breath’ whilst playing his fourth round match on Arthur Ashe, which he lost to Millman. Last week for the first time in US Open history a special extreme weather rule was applied to men’s matches. Allowing them to take a 10-minute break after three sets.
Speaking about the conditions, Djokovic has called for the USTA to take action in regards to ventilating the courts. Saying that it ‘feels like a sauna’ when he plays on the premier Arthur Ashe stadium.
“I asked the chair umpire whether they are using some form of ventilation or air conditioning down at the court level side, and then he says that he’s not aware of it, that only what comes through the hallway type of thing.” Djokovic told reporters.
“I think that this tournament needs to address this. I mean, because whether it’s night or day, we just don’t have air down there. It feels like sauna.”
Millman, who played in his first ever grand slam quarter-final, also suffered in the heat. Although he refused to let it deter him from one of the biggest matches of his career.
“[In] these night matches, the humidity goes through the roof,” he said.
“It is tricky, but it’s the same for both people. You’re dripping. But, that’s no excuse or anything. I’d play in a swimming pool if I got to play a quarter-final every week at a Grand Slam.”
Djokovic defeated Millman 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. He will play Japan’s Kei Nishikori in the semi-finals on Friday.
