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Tim Henman outlines the two problems Novak Djokovic is finding with the courts at the French Open

Photo by Ibrahim Ezzat/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Ibrahim Ezzat/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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Tim Henman suggested the two things that Novak Djokovic dislikes about the courts at the French Open.

The Serbian has batted through two epic five-set matches to reach the quarters at the clay court Grand Slam for the 18th time in his illustrious career.

Trailing by two sets to one and suffering with a knee injury, the World number one dug deep to claim a 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 win against Francisco Cerundolo.

This four hour-39 minute encounter came less than 48 hours after defeating Lorenzo Musetti in five sets at 3 am local time.

Tim Henman comments on Novak Djokovic’s issues with French Open courts

At one point during Wednesday’s contest Djokovic slipped and took a tumble as he tried to retrieve a Cerundolo forehand.

As he battled the court conditions, Henman outlined the Serbian’s opinions on the court and how voicing his concerns helps to raise his level of play.

“There have been two issues. Sometimes he says there is too much clay on the court,” the former Wimbledon semi-finalist told Eurosport.

“And other times he wants the court swept at every change of ends and when they said no, we have to be consistent with all other courts. I think at times he just needs something to get him a little bit fired up, he loves that confrontation.”

2024 French Open - Day 9
Photo by Christian Liewig – Corbis/Getty Images

What did Novak Djokovic say after reaching the French Open quarter-finals?

Djokovic rebounded from a break down in the fourth set to claim his second successive five-set win. In the process he won his 370th Grand Slam match, which is the most of any male player after surpassing Roger Federer‘s tally.

In his on-court interview immediately after the victory, Djokovic told Mats Wilander: “I have to say thank you to the fans, like in the previous match.

“Against Musetti it was 2-2 in the fourth set and my energy level changed completely. You gave me a lot of energy. Today the same thing happened. You gave me a lot of support. Not much more I can say.

“Perhaps I was three or four points from losing this match today. I have to congratulate Francisco because he played with excellent quality. He deserves to be applauded. The only explanation I have is thanks to you. So thank you again for all your support.”