Novak Djokovic back on top before rain delays French Open fourth round play

ByJen Offord

Updated 31/05/2016 at 18:08 GMT

World No.1 Novak Djokovic took the lead after a shaky first set in his fourth round match against Roberto Bautista Agut at the French Open in Paris on Tuesday, where play was delayed again by poor weather conditions.

Top seed Djokovic, a three-time finalist but never winner of the tournament, dropped his first set of the tournament to 14th seed Bautista Agut in the fourth-round match.

Trailing 3-6 to lose the opening set of the match, play was finally suspended at 12:47 local time after more of the poor weather that has marred the competition thus far

With play suspended for the best part of three hours, Djokovic returned to the Philippe Chatrier Court and stormed ahead 3-6 6-4 4-1 when play was suspended again.

French Open

The Day When: Novak Djokovic almost hit a judge with his racquet

00:00:34

|

07/09/2020 at 20:29

It was later announced a number of matches - including those of reigning title-holder Stan Wawrinka and GB no.1 Andy Murray - would be postponed to the following day, before play was eventually cancelled for the day at around 18:50 local time.

Though undoubtedly frustrating, players would no doubt be relieved not to play in the conditions endured by some - including Djokovic and Bautista Agut - earlier in the day, as players criticised the tournament's organisers for continuing play despite rain.

Croft: 'Horrendous conditions... court was extremely dangerous'

Elsewhere in the tournament, there were upsets for both Agnieszka Radwanska and Simona Halep who left the competition early.

Second seed Radwanska lost 2-6 6-3 6-3 to Tsvetana Pironkova while sixth seed Simona Halep was dumped out of the competition by Australian Samantha Stosur 7-6(0) 6-3.

Speaking after her defeat, Radwanska said: "I'm just so surprised and angry that we have to play in the rain," fumed Radwanska. "I mean, it's not a 10,000 tournament. It's a Grand Slam. How can you allow players to play in the rain? I cannot play in those conditions."

French Open

French Open 2017 preview: All you need to know ahead of Roland Garros

28/03/2017 at 09:04

French Open

Djokovic poses with French Open trophy in Paris

00:00:21

|

07/06/2016 at 08:41

French Open

Djokovic basks in Paris glory

00:00:21

|

06/06/2016 at 18:40