TENNIS: Auger-Aliassime labels injury rule a disgrace after stormy win

LONDON — Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime criticized Wimbledon’s injury timeout rule after advancing to the quarter-finals with a hard-fought victory over Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Sunday.

The third-seeded Canadian won 6-7(4), 7-6(6), 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-1 in a match that was disrupted when Davidovich Fokina injured his ankle during the fourth set. The Spaniard received a medical timeout while Auger-Aliassime was serving with two match points, allowing play to resume after treatment.

Following the delay, Auger-Aliassime lost his service game, and the match was pushed to a deciding fifth set before he secured the victory.

The two players exchanged words at the net after the match, though Auger-Aliassime declined to reveal what was said. Instead, he directed his criticism at the current injury timeout rule.

Auger-Aliassime said the rule allows players to gain an unfair advantage by stopping play during an opponent’s service game to receive medical treatment. He argued that players who are injured should either continue until they can receive treatment at an appropriate time or forfeit points until play can be stopped safely.

Calling the rule "a disgrace," Auger-Aliassime said he believes it should be changed, adding that he does not see similar provisions in other sports.

The 25-year-old will next face seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals.

Despite the controversy, Auger-Aliassime praised Djokovic, saying he has gained a greater appreciation for the Serbian star’s achievements now that he is competing at the highest level. He said Djokovic’s years of hard work and sustained success are remarkable and deserving of admiration. -Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters