Madrid, May 9 (IANS) World No.1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic criticised the condition of the blue clay playing surface in the Mutua Madrid Open after his 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 win over Daniel Gimero-Trimero.
Djorkovic struggled in the second set and was visibly annoyed after slipping twice at the start of the third set, which he finally won 6-3 Tuesday.
The Serb complained to the match umpire that the surface was too wet after he had slipped and was clearly angry on court and irritated when he turned up to his press conference, reports Xinhua.
"It was impossible to move, all I could do was return the ball in the best way possible," he said. "Next time I am going to wear some football boots," said Djokovic, adding that it maybe a good idea to call on Hollywood hardman actor Chuck Norris to help him out in his next match.
"There is nothing similar with the red clay courts, this is much more slippery. When you slip on a red court you can stop and get up, here you just slip. All of the players I have spoken to say the same and they (the organisers) have not taken the opinion of the players into account. We should be the protagonists in this competition and we have been ignored," complained Djokovic.
A day earlier Djokovic had been more diplomatic talking about the surface. "It is interesting and we will see what happens, but there are differences when it is compared to red clay."
"The big disappointment is that it was decided to use it without the agreement of the players. Neither I nor any top player has tested it and there should be some value given to what we say. I hope there are no injuries and it is a good week," he said.
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