Djokovic hits out over delay after booking place in quarters

Serbia's Novak Djokovic in action during his fourth round match against France's Adrian Mannarino at Wimbledon Championships in London, Britain on July 11, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

"We went to the referee's office before eight. (We were told) there were security reasons (for not moving the match). That was the only excuse... that we were getting."

On Monday, the All England Club said: "30,000 people still remained in the grounds, and therefore moving the match would have created a significant safety issue."

"Obviously I was not happy not to play last night," Djokovic continued. "We were kept for two and a half hours in the dark, in a way, without knowing what we are going to do. So you were on your toes warming up, cooling down. (The) referee's office was completely indecisive.

"It was frustrating last night. But I quickly just turned the next page and just focused on what I need to do today. I've done it in straight sets. That's all that matters."

When the match did get under way, light rain led officials to close the roof over Centre Court, but despite his frustrations Djokovic came out strongly and easily won the first set.