Roberto Bautista Agut issues an apology for comparing the bio-bubble in Melbourne to ‘jail’, says his comments were ‘taken out of context’

Roberto Bautista Agut issues an apology for comparing the bio-bubble in Melbourne to ‘jail’, says his comments were ‘taken out of context’

Roberto Bautista Agut

Roberto Bautista Agut

Players have expressed their disagreements with Tennis Australia’s decision to impose stricter restrictions during their quarantine in Melbourne. They see these new guidelines, of 24-hour isolation in a hotel room for players, as unjust and discriminatory.

One of those players who shared their anger on this matter is Spanish star Roberto Bautista Agut. The World No.13 didn’t mince his words, he compared the confinement to jail and called the entire situation a total disaster.

Bautista Agut slammed the Australian government for these restrictions. He stated, “These people has no idea about tennis, about practice courts, has no idea about anything.” 

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The Spaniard then pinpoints towards government as the main reason why he and others have been put under these conditions. “So, it’s a complete disaster because of the control of everything. It’s not Tennis Australia, it’s the people from the government, It’s like to be in the jail,” he admitted.

But now, the Spaniard has offered an apology for these comments and said that they were taken out of context.

I want to apologize to everyone: Roberto Bautista Agut

Bautista Agut issues apology

In a recent tweet, Bautista Agut clarified his comments and issued an apology for his comments. The 32-year old said, “I want to apologize to everyone who has been offended by the video that was posted about me recently.” The Spaniard then goes on to say that the video, in which he spoke these words, was released without his consent. “It is a private conversation taken out of context that has unfortunately been released to the media without my knowledge or my consent,” Bautista Agut states.

Bautista Agut further acknowledges that he and his coaches, Tomás Carbonell and Pepe Vendrell, will strictly follow the rules. “Both my coach and I are following the protocols designed by the Australian Government and Tennis Australia to avoid any risk and guarantee to compete again in a safe way. These are hard times for athletes and for society in general,” he added.

“I thank all the people who are making playing tennis again possible,” the Spaniard concluded.

Also read: “It’s really really tough,” Roberto Bautista Agut Compares Australian Open 2021 Bubble to a ‘Jail’