Novak Djokovic, the world’s number one tennis player, has expressed his concern about the treatment of his fellow professional, Jannik Sinner. In a press conference, Djokovic spoke about the unexpected quarantine rules that were implemented by Tennis Australia, which he believes have kept players “in the dark”.
“We’ve been kept in the dark for quite a long time and it just seems like we are always waiting for something to be decided and communicated to us,” Djokovic stated. He also highlighted that there seems to be a lack of organization and clear communication from Tennis Australia with regards to Covid-19 safety protocols.
His comments come as Tennis Australia faces scrutiny over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the professional tennis circuit. Jannik Sinner, who is seen as one of the sport’s rising stars, was forced to withdraw from a tournament in Adelaide due to a sudden change in quarantine rules.
Sinner, originally from Italy, had recently traveled to Australia to take part in the tournament. However, upon his arrival, the rules regarding quarantine measures had been altered, requiring athletes to complete a mandatory 14-day quarantine period without the possibility of training.
“There was a lot of stress and a lot of things happening and I think Tennis Australia needs to take responsibility for that,” Djokovic stated about Sinner’s situation. His comments reflect growing frustration among the professional tennis community about the handling of Covid-19 measures by the organizing bodies. He further expressed hope that the issues would be addressed before the impending Australian Open tournament.
While the Australian Open is set to start on February 8, strict quarantine measures are still expected to be in place, which could potentially disrupt the preparation of many high-profile players. Tennis Australia has not yet responded to Djokovic’s recent comments and many players are awaiting further updates on the situation.
Last modified: December 30, 2024
