French Open tennis – Where have they been? – Novak Djokovic made to wait as fans boo latecomers – Eurosport COM

There was a comical moment in the opening set of Novak Djokovic’s French Open quarter-final clash with Matteo Berrettini involving returning fans – late ones.

The final evening session of the clay court Grand Slam had spectators for the first time with 5,000 fortunate fans able to watch the French Open quarter-final between Novak Djokovic and Matteo Berrettini at Roland Garros.

An amusing moment saw the match halted amid a chorus of boos from other fans when a group of spectators strolled in very late with their shopping in tow to delay proceedings.

World number one Djokovic, the 2016 champion, and an 18-time Grand Slam title winner, struggled to find the funny side as he was preparing to serve while trying to make his mark on the opening set.

In rather comical fashion, the excitement over fans returning hit a bump when a group strolled in very late with their shopping to delay proceedings.

“Where have they been?” wondered Eurosport’s Chris Bradnam, on commentary at the time.

“How can they be late? It’s the first time crowds have been allowed in for the late match! They’ve been shopping!”

The other spectators inside Court Philippe Chatrier let their feelings known with loud booing as the fans eventually settled down and Djokovic was finally able to serve.

Victory for Djokovic will see him through to the semi-finals for the 11th time at Roland Garros and two wins away from becoming only the third man in history to win all four Grand Slams on two occasions.

A Nadal v Djokovic clash in the last four would be an encounter fans would love and it would be a repeat from last year’s final in the postponed autumnal edition.

The three most successful players in the history of the men’s game have won 17 of the last 20 Grand Slam titles between them.

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