“What a great gesture” - Novak Djokovic lauds inclusivity at French Open as wheelchair-bound line judge takes charge

Novak Djokovic lauded the inclusion of a wheelchair-bound line judge at the 2024 French Open. The Serb will play Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the first round on May 27.

French Open has taken a big step in inclusivity as a wheelchair-bound line judge was seen officiating the match between Rebecca Sramkova and Amanda Anisimova. The American won the match 7-6(6), 6-4.

This novel image caught the eye of the World No. 1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic. He lauded the effort by the French Open to enhance inclusivity.

"What a great gesture! Wonderful," the Serb wrote.

The wheelchair-bound line judge is a recent development in making tennis a more inclusive sport. However, all the Grand Slams have been hosting wheelchair tennis competitions since 2007, with the Australian Open taking the lead in 2002. Wimbledon and US Open followed in 2005 and French Open in 2007.

It is competed in men, women, and quad categories, with singles and doubles in each. The Wheelchair players participate in all the Grand Slams in addition to, ITF Masters ITF Super Series, ITF 1, ITF 2, ITF 3, and ITF Futures.

Alfie Hewett and Diede de Groot are current players who have grabbed the most eyeballs. De Groot has won 21 Grand Slams, winning consecutive Grand Slam titles since the 2020 US Open. Hewett has eight Majors, with the latest title coming at the 2023 US Open.

Novak Djokovic: "If I don't win the title, I will not be satisfied"

The Serb at the 2024 Italian Open

Novak Djokovic hasn't enjoyed a run of form that the Serb is known for. He has won 12 matches, while losing 5. He has yet to lift a title or even reach a final in 2024. Even though he has not enjoyed the same amount of success as he has for the past couple of years, Djokovic doesn't count himself out of contention for lifting the 2024 French Open title.

The Serb said, in the press conference, that he won't be satisfied unless he wins the title. However, he accepts that he would only stand a chance for the title if he manages to rebuild his game.

"I know exactly what I have to do in the Grand Slam tournaments. I have experienced it 24 times. If I don't win the title, I will not be satisfied. If I play tennis at my age is to continue making history. But it is true that my only chance of being in the final is if I manage to rebuild my game. I have low expectations and high hopes," he said (via Marca).

Novak Djokovic is a three-time Champion at the French Open.