Novak in a huff over fan’s marijuana puff
Novak Djokovic has voiced an unusual complaint over a cannabis-smoking spectator during his 6-4, 6-4 semi-final victory over France’s Jeremy Chardy in the ATP Montreal Masters semi-finals.
“Someone is smoking weed, I can smell it, I’m getting dizzy,” the world number one reported to the chair umpire in an exchange picked up by television broadcast cameras.
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No investigation of the alleged impropriety was forthcoming, so Djokovic gamely played on with no further complaints about the alleged aroma of weed.
The Serb now stands on the verge of his fifth ATP Masters 1000 title of the season after an 80-minute effort.
Djokovic will wait to learn his opponent as second seed Andy Murray plays Japan’s US Open finalist Kei Nishikori.
Djokovic remains one victory away from his fourth title in Canada and seventh of the season after winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon plus Masters trophies in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo and Rome.
Claiming his 10th match against Chardy without a loss in the series, Djokovic captured his 52nd match of the season against just three defeats.
A break of serve in each set was enough for the top seed to stay comfortably in control of his 49th-ranked opponent, playing a Masters semi-final for the first time.
“It was good to get a quick win like this,” said Djokovic. “I was glad to do it with two breaks. Jeremy played well, but I was totally concentrated and stayed in control of the baseline.
“I’m excited about reaching the final. All of these events are important and it would be great to win another final this season.”