World No. 1 Novak Djokovic said Tuesday that the Center Court of French Open needs lights first considering a roof will not be ready until 2018.

A day of downpours caused delays and interruptions of play on the day and about 14 matches have been rescheduled.

"It's very important (to have a roof)," he said. "It's the first time I hear actually when it's going to happen (in 2018), but I knew they had that in mind and have been working on that project.

"It seems long way from now. And at least for the future of our sport we're gonna have all center courts covered except actually also US Open. We're gonna need that, as well."

"It's very much needed because it rains very often, except in Australia. All the other slams struggle with the rain."

He added, "I think what is more needed here is the lights on the center court, because you stop play at nine or 9:30. So at least we could have lights so the play can go for a few more hours. And I believe that's not something that is big comparing to the project of the roof.

"I hope it's gonna happen in the next year or two."

Djokovic, the beaten finalist last year, beat Belgium's David Goffin 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, 7-5 in the first round.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)