Roland Garros needs lights first, says Djokovic

World No.1 Novak Djokovic said here that the centre court of Roland Garros needs lights first, considering a roof will not be ready until 2018.

A day of downpours caused delays and interruptions Tuesday and 14 matches were rescheduled, reports Xinhua.

"It's very important (to have a roof). It's the first time I hear actually when it is going to happen (in 2018) but I knew they had that in mind and have been working on that project. It seems a long way from now. And at least for the future of our sport, we're going to have all centre courts covered, except the US Open. We're going to need that, as well," said Djokovic.

"It's very much needed because it rains very often, except in Australia. All the other slams struggle with the rain. I think what is more needed here is the lights on the centre court because you stop play at nine. 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 going to happen in the next year or two," he added.

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