**Novak Djokovic’s Outburst and Jannik Sinner’s Intervention in French Open 2025 Semi-Final Umpire Dispute**
During the French Open 2025 semi-final on June 6, Novak Djokovic erupted in frustration over a controversial line call against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, sparking a heated exchange with the umpire that required Sinner’s intervention to defuse. As reported by The Independent and The Athletic, the incident occurred in a tense third-set tiebreak, with Sinner leading 6-4, 7-5. Djokovic, trailing 0-30, contested a Sinner serve deemed “clearly out” by him, but the umpire upheld the call, confirmed by HawkEye as out by three millimeters. The Court Philippe-Chatrier crowd booed loudly, fueling Djokovic’s anger as he “smashed away the volley” to level at deuce, per The Athletic.[](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/french-open-2025-live-updates-semifinals-scores-results/JZNuvMaxmtWB/)
Djokovic, visibly enraged, argued with the umpire, gesturing animatedly and baring his teeth without humor, as noted by The Guardian. Sinner, maintaining his composure, stepped in to explain the call calmly, gesturing to clarify the point’s outcome, which led Djokovic to back down, per an X post by @TrueLoveDany: “Jannik with all the calm in the world went to explain things, and Nole believed him and quieted down.” The crowd’s energy, amplified by a Mexican wave and PSG fans’ celebrations, added to the chaotic atmosphere, per The Athletic.[](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/french-open-2025-live-updates-semifinals-scores-results/JZNuvMaxmtWB/)
Despite the flare-up, Djokovic’s tactical brilliance shone through, using drop shots and volleys to challenge Sinner’s 19-match Grand Slam win streak. However, Sinner’s relentless forehands and improved serve, as highlighted by The Guardian, kept him in control. The match, a high-quality clash with a 4-4 head-to-head, saw Sinner hold firm after denying Djokovic three set points, per The Independent. Djokovic later acknowledged Sinner’s dominance, saying, “He’s going to play at a high level, as he’s done every tournament,” per The Guardian. The incident underscored Djokovic’s passion but also Sinner’s ability to stay unflinching under pressure, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion as Sinner advanced to face Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
