French Open criticized for ‘nonsense’ decision made in Novak Djokovic’s first round match which was ‘unfair’ on loads of other players

Follow us on Google Discover

Roland Garros has only just begun, but there’s already been plenty of controversy in the French capital.

The first round of the 2025 French Open has now concluded as 128 players have been whittled down to 64.

During the opening round of matches, the tournament received much criticism, largely due to the French Open’s scheduling of night sessions.

No WTA matches have been scheduled for Court Philippe Chatrier’s night sessions in 2025, a controversial move that many disagree with.

They were also criticized for an ‘unfair’ decision made during Novak Djokovic’s first-round win against Mackenzie McDonald by a former doubles number one.

Rennae Stubbs slams ‘nonsense’ move made by French Open officials which was ‘so unfair’

During the first set of Djokovic’s win over McDonald, the weather took a turn, as rain began to fall on Court Philippe Chatrier.

The rain wasn’t heavy, however, and play on every outside court continued without a break.

After pleading with officials, Djokovic convinced them to close the roof on Chatrier, after which they continued the match.

Former doubles star Rennae Stubbs was furious with the decision, claiming they should’ve played on without interruption.

“If they’re still playing on the outside courts, you should still be playing on centre court,” she said.

“Even if you have a roof, you cannot have preference for what you want. It’s not fair to everyone else and your opponent.”

Stubbs reiterated her point, suggesting what the referee should’ve done when Djokovic asked him to close the roof.

“I’ll say it again. This is so unfair to every other player playing out there on the outside courts,” said Stubbs.

“Nonsense from the referee. He should say, too bad, you have to play, no-one else is stopping outside.

“Yes the weather sucks, the wind sucks, but I can tell you, this is unfair for others.”

Djokovic went on to win the match 6-3, 6-3, 6-3, easing his way into the second round of the French Open, where he’ll take on Frenchman Corentin Moutet.

Moutet won his opener in straight sets against his countryman, Clement Tabur, 6-3, 7-6, 6-3, as he now gets set for his third career encounter with the 24-time Major champion.

Djokovic won the opening two matches of their rivalry and is yet to drop a set against the charismatic 26-year-old.

• 2024 Italian Open 2R – Novak Djokovic beat Corentin Moutet, 6-3, 6-1
• 2019 Paris Masters 2R – Novak Djokovic beat Corentin Moutet, 7-6, 6-4

Only time will tell if Djokovic can extend his head-to-head lead to 3-0 when they face off for a place in the third round on Thursday, May 29.

Novak Djokovic moves one step closer to landmark achievement in Paris

Throughout tennis history, just two players have won 100 or more matches at a Grand Slam event.

Roger Federer did so at the Australian Open and Wimbledon tournaments, while Rafael Nadal reached the milestone at Roland Garros.

Djokovic, the final member of the ‘big three’ is on the verge of crossing the century mark at all four Majors, but could do so for the first time in Paris.

Most Australian Open match wins

Most French Open match wins

Most Wimbledon match wins

Most US Open match wins

Djokovic is just three wins away from joining Nadal and Federer, and would achieve his goal by reaching the French Open quarterfinals.

He’d likely be favorite in all three matches, taking on players ranked outside the world’s top 20.

• 2R v Corentin Moutet (73rd)
• 3R v Denis Shapovalov (31st) or Filip Misolic (153rd)
• 4R v Ugo Humbert (21st) or Jacob Fearnley (55th) or Cameron Norrie (81st) or Federico Agustin Gomez (144th)

It remains to be seen if Djokovic can get the job done, but you certainly wouldn’t want to bet against him.