Novak Djokovic, the World No. 1 tennis player, is not agreeing with the US Open health rules. He said that the organizers have set the health protocols regarding the tournament. It is almost impossible to follow. He said this in a conversation with the Prva TV channel of Serbia quoted by Blic online daily.
Djokovic said he had a conversation with the world tennis leaders a day ago on the telephone. It discussed several options to resume the tennis season. Especially with the event of the US Open in late August. However, no date has been set so far. But the rules set by the US Open organizers for players to participate in the tournament are impossible to fulfil.
Djokovic, who was the US Open champion in 2011, 2015 and 2018, said that the organizers have spoken of controlling the movement of the players. If we follow it, we cannot even go to Manhattan. We have to sleep in hotels near New York Airport. Not only this, two to three times a week will have to undergo Coronavirus test. We will be allowed to bring just one support staff within the club, it would be very difficult for any player.
“ How can we train without coaches, fitness trainers and physiotherapists. All the suggestions of the organizers are very strict and complicated. However, I can understand that the organizers are under pressure to hold the tournament due to economic reasons, current contracts. Hence such conditions are imposed”, Novak said.
Earlier, Rafael Nadal and world no. 1 women’s player Ashleigh Barty had also expressed concern about the US Open. Nadal had said that tennis should start only when the condition of Coronavirus in the entire world including the US is fully recovered.
Novak Djokovic said ‘if you ask me to play the US Open in today’s situation, then I will say no”
The first Grand Slam Australian Open has been held in January-February this year, while the Wimbledon was cancelled for the first time after World War II. At the same time, the date of the French Open to be held from 24 May has been extended to 20 September.
