Djokovic blown off course at French Open as play postponed

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Roland Garros suffered another scheduling blow on Friday when the second semifinal between Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem was halted for the night.

The 32-year-old Serb will return to court at midday on Saturday trailing 6-2 3-6 3-1.

Top seed Djokovic is bidding to become the first man in the professional era to twice hold the four big prizes in tennis simultaneously, having also done so in 2016.

But the world No. 1 had been increasingly frustrated with the conditions on court with high winds kicking up the clay.

Dominic Thiem of Austria plays a forehand during his men's singles semifinal against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the 2019 French Open at Roland Garros, June 7, 2019. /VCG Photo

Organizers said the decision was taken due to the worsening weather conditions but just after play was suspended for the day at 6:45 pm local time, bright skies appeared over the site.

In theory that could have allowed for another two hours of play.

Tournament director Guy Forget said the decision to halt play was taken because high winds of up to 80km/h were expected in the evening.

"The players had already stopped twice (for rain) and as the referee will tell you, it is painful for everyone, especially the players," Forget said.

People hold umbrellas and wear raincoats during the men's singles semifinal between Serbia's Novak Djokovic and Austria's Dominic Thiem, at 2019 French Open in Paris, June 7, 2019. /VCG Photo

Forget also denied suggestions that Djokovic had left the grounds before play was postponed.

“I do not know who left first, but the two players were told exactly at the same time. They looked at each other and said ‘OK'.”

The suspension has led to criticism from former French Open champion and pundit Jim Courier.

“This is going to sting,” the American, commentating for ITV, said. “These conditions are very difficult for Novak, these are very advantageous for Dominic Thiem.”

“(Rafael) Nadal and (Roger) Federer came ready to accept the conditions and so did Thiem. But Novak came ready to not like them. The happiest person right now would be Novak on his way back home,” Courier continued.

Winner Rafael Nadal of Spain (R) and Roger Federer of Switzerland shake hands at the net after their semifinal, June 7, 2019. /VCG Photo

Nadal beat Roger Federer in straight sets in the first semi when strong winds also hampered the players.

Tournament organizers said fans holding tickets for the semifinal would be fully refunded as they will not be valid for Saturday.

Earlier, in women's doubles, China's Zheng Saisai and Duan Ying-Ying advanced to face second-seeded Kristina Mladenovic of France and Timea Babos of Hungary in the final.

(With input from AFP and Reuters)