Environment amount a person Novak Djokovic was greatly condemned on Wednesday for hosting a tennis exhibition exactly where he was a person of four gamers to examination good for the coronavirus, a lapse that sent shudders by a activity having difficulties to get back on its feet. The Serbian star reported he was “deeply sorry” in an unstinting apology for the now-cancelled Adria Tour, where by social distancing was minimum and matches have been played in entrance of countless numbers of enthusiasts. Nevertheless, criticism was swift and heavy, with many voicing concerns around attempts to restart specialist tournaments in August, such as the US Open up Grand Slam is which is scheduled to start off on August 31.
Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki all examined beneficial just after having element in the Adria Tour, in which gamers embraced across the net, performed basketball and even danced in a nightclub.
“I am so deeply sorry our tournament has caused damage,” Djokovic, 33, reported in a assertion. His wife Jelena also analyzed constructive right after attending the “philanthropic” tour in the the moment war-torn Balkans.


— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) June 23, 2020
As the mocking hashtag #Djokovid circulated on the internet, Australia’s Nick Kyrgios, so usually in the crosshairs for his very own on-court docket indiscretions, explained the incident was pure “stupidity”.
“You should not @ me for anything at all I have completed that has been ‘irresponsible’ or categorised as ‘stupidity’ — this usually takes the cake,” tweeted the earth variety 40.

Prayers up to all the gamers that have contracted Covid – 19. Really don’t @ me for something I’ve completed that has been ‘irresponsible’ or categorized as ‘stupidity’ – this can take the cake. https://t.co/lVligELgID

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 23, 2020
Britain’s Andy Murray, a a few-time Grand Slam winner who has identified Djokovic considering the fact that their junior days, mentioned: “I will not believe it has been a excellent glance for tennis.”
“In hindsight, it is not a thing that should really have absent in advance,” Murray told reporters.
“It’s not shocking how a lot of men and women have analyzed positive immediately after observing some of the illustrations or photos of the players’ celebration and the kids’ day. There was no social distancing in place.
“Some individuals have mentioned maybe this has put the US Open in question — which it may perhaps nicely do. But the actions and the protocols they have in put at the USTA (United States Tennis Association) are distinct to Serbia and Croatia. No followers for a commence.”
PR disaster
Djokovic is unbeaten this year, a run that consists of winning his 17th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open up, but COVID-19 has been a public relations catastrophe for the eccentric Serb.
Even ahead of the Adria Tour, he was criticised for breaking lockdown principles to practice in Spain, and he then lifted eyebrows by insisting he would not be organized to vaccinate from the coronavirus.
Djokovic also described restrictions on players’ entourages at the US Open up as “severe” and “unattainable”, again placing him at odds with a great deal of general public view.
His most recent misstep has brought about some to query his presidency of the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals, or men’s tour) Player Council, which advises the ATP board.
Tennis has been notably difficult-hit by the coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing journey restrictions because it is a world circuit with players from all in excess of the earth.
“I think you will find a great deal of his peer group who are scratching their heads,” celebrated coach Paul Annacone advised Tennis.com.
“I was thoroughly panic-ridden and incredibly disappointed due to the fact the restart, or the reimagining of how we can begin (tennis) is just about eight weeks away. And with all these alternatives to check out to commence in a development, to me, it felt like they skipped about 15 actions.”
Martina Navratilova, who won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, tweeted: “Yikes… this is not good and it’s a sample… What now, US Open up? Roland Garros? We have a whole lot of do the job to do.”


Brazil’s Bruno Soares, a doubles player who sits on the Player Council, termed the Adria Tour a “horror clearly show”, while ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi reported it was a lesson for other tournaments.
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“It is really a minimal bit like when you explain to your young children when they attempt to understand to ride the bicycle to don the helmet,” Gaudenzi mentioned. “It is ‘no, no, no’.”
“And they trip the bicycle, they fall, and then they dress in the helmet.”
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