Novak Djokovic fumes at French Open rival after unwritten rule broken

Yasmin Syed in Paris Thu, May 28, 2026 at 8:53 AM UTC

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Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic wasn't happy when Valentin Royer failed to apologise for a lucky return (Image: TNT Sports)

Novak Djokovic was visibly frustrated when Valentin Royer neglected to apologize for winning a point after the ball grazed the net tape.

The No. 3 seed held a two-sets-to-love lead over Royer and broke twice in the third, only to be broken back on both occasions and forced into a tiebreak. Djokovic, who recently clashed with a reporter at the French Open, also squandered a match point at 6-5 in the tiebreak, and at 7-7, Royer delivered a return that clipped the tape yet still landed inside the baseline and remained in play.

It caught the Serbian superstar off guard, and while he managed to retrieve the ball, he was unable to gain control of the rally. The Frenchman claimed the point, earning himself a set point, and failed to raise his arm in acknowledgment of the fortunate bounce after his ball stayed in following contact with the tape.

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Players routinely apologize for net cords, but Royer initially responded with only a fist pump. Djokovic took issue with his opponent's lack of sportsmanship, gesturing toward him with a thumbs-up before striking his racket.

Royer recognized his oversight and turned back, offering a wave of apology, but commentator and former world No. 1 Jim Courier noted that the damage had already been done.

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Djokovic was taken to a fourth set during his second-round French Open match (Image: Getty Images)

"Djokovic wanted an apology for the return that Royer hit off of the tape that stayed in the net. So that's what the little discussion back and forth at the end of this rally was about," Courier told TNT Sports USA viewers.

"Royer pumps his fist but doesn't offer an apology in advance. Novak says, 'Hey buddy, you owe me one.' Which Royer then turned around and gave him one. He has poked the bear."

That exchange handed Royer a set point on his serve, and he made the most of it. Djokovic sent a return long, and the world No. 74 claimed the set, forcing a fourth in front of the ecstatic French crowd on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Yet Djokovic refused to relent. He held from 0-30 in his opening service game to begin the fourth, denying Royer any opportunity at a break point. The 24-time Major champion then produced a stunning around-the-net-post winner in the third game.

Djokovic placed his hands on his hips and could only grin as the incredible shot brought the crowd to their feet. He then broke serve a couple of games later, seizing the lead and edging ever closer to victory. The three-time champion at Roland Garros went on to secure a 6-3, 6-2, 6-7(7), 6-3 triumph, advancing to the third round.

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Source: “AOL Sports”