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Djokovic blasts Madrid's blue clay courts

Novak Djokovic wants the players' wishes to be heard © Getty Images

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World No. 1 Novak Djokovic launched a stinging attack on Madrid Open organisers over the controversial blue clay surface, on which he claims it is "impossible to move".

Djokovic overcame the conditions and second-round opponent Daniel Gimeno-Traver 6-2 2-6 6-3 in the Spanish capital on Tuesday. However, following the victory, the Serb became the latest player to criticise the slippery surface.

"I hit five balls throughout the whole match," said Djokovic. "Everything else I was just trying to put the ball in the court so I just rely on my serve and getting some points eventually from his unforced errors.

"For me that's not tennis. Either I come up with the football shoes or I invite Chuck Norris to advise me on how I should play on this court.

"When you slide on the red clay you have a feeling you can stop and recover from that step. But here, whatever you do, you are always slipping."

Tournament officials opted for the blue clay in order to assist television viewers to clearly identify the ball during matches. But Djokovic believes the new surface serves only to put players' safety at risk and called for a "serious discussion" at the conclusion of the tournament.

"I know for certain that there are so many players that I talked to these last three or four days that share the same opinion," Djokovic said. "I take things very seriously regarding the surfaces and regarding our circuit.

"I think all the players' opinions have to be heard and have to be considered. This tournament and this decision to change to the blue clay is an example of players not being considered and heard and their opinions being ignored so I really hope that this is going to change in the future.

"I haven't heard a single player, not man or woman, saying they like blue clay."

Djokovic's comments echo those of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who have also been highly critical of the blue clay surface.

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