Novak Djokovic loses point at Monte Carlo Masters despite Hawk-Eye proving him right in umpire dispute

Novak Djokovic was proven right by Hawk-Eye moments after losing a crucial point in the second set of his defeat to Lorenzo Musetti at the Monte Carlo Masters after it was incorrectly called in by the linesperson and umpire.

As Hawkeye is not operational at clay-court events, the call stood.

To the naked eye, it looked long. However, the linesperson did not call it out.

Resultantly, umpire Aurelie Tourte vacated her chair to inspect what she deemed the mark left by the shot, and she felt that Musetti’s forehand had caught the line.

The world No. 1 was insistent that the shot was long and debated the issue with Tourte, who said that it was good.

Tourte could not call on Hawk-Eye for assistance as it is not operational at clay-court events. However, TV replays – using Hawk-Eye technology – would immediately evidence that Djokovic was correct and the shot was long.

This is how the incident transpired.

“It is this,” said Tourte as she pointed at a mark after leaving her seat.

To which Djokovic responded: “Where? Where?”

“That is the only mark,” said Tourte. “For me, it is just there…it is the only mark…for me, it touched the line. It touched the line…that is the only mark I have.”

Djokovic responded: “But where is the mark? You are not showing me the mark.”

“For me, that is where the ball bounced – that is all I have,” responded Tourte.

“I don’t see the mark you are showing me, Novak…I don’t have any other mark. I don’t have the mark and I ask him [the linesperson] and he does not have it either…I ask him to show me and he doesn’t.”

Djokovic would go on to lose the game and then the set.

An inspired Musetti went on the secure a shock win.

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