Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic delay: John Isner demands Wimbledon change
JOHN ISNER has demanded Wimbledon change their fifth-set policy after Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic were forced to wait almost seven hours to get on court.
Nadal and Djokovic are now at risk of having to return tomorrow morning to finish their semi-final tie if they cannot get it wrapped up by 11pm tonight.
The pair were delayed going on Centre Court by Kevin Anderson’s victory against Isner which lasted six hours and 36 minutes.
The fifth-set of their marathon went 50 games but Isner wants to see the limit capped at 24 and a tiebreak introduced.
“I agree with Kevin. I personally think a sensible option would be 12-all,” Isner said.
“Can't finish them off, if one person can't finish the other off before 12-all, then do a tiebreaker there.
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“I think it's long overdue. I mean, I'm a big part of that, a big part of this discussion, of course.
“Rafa and Djokovic, I don't even know, can they finish tonight?
“Isn't there some curfew? I don't know. They're getting on the court at 8:15, whatever it is.
“We're out there playing for seven hours. You know, it's tough.
“I'm a proponent of changing that rule, for sure. I think it needs to be done.”
Isner was evidently exhausted after his gruelling battle and he highlighted further problems caused by the duration of the match.
“I feel pretty terrible. My left heel is killing me,” he added.
“I have an awful blister on my right foot. I've felt better before. You know, a few days' rest, maybe more than that, and I'll recoup and try to get all healed up again.”