Former French Open champion discusses Novak Djokovic's missteps

Novak Djokovic ended up in the eye of the hurricane for the positive cases of the Adria Tour, a mini-circuit of exhibition designed and organized by himself. The lack of prevention against Covid-19, endorsed by government assets in Serbia and Croatia, led to excellent contagions, including those of Nole himself, the Croatian Borna Coric, the Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov and the other Serbian Viktor Troicki. The World number 1, from this point of view, has been accused by fans and colleagues of not having behaved irresponsibly, also for the political role he has in tennis. There was no shortage of poison words especially from Australian Nick Kyrgios, strongly opposed to organizing a tournament with these characteristics. Speaking to TENNIS.com, French Open champion Andres Gomez said strict action should be taken against those violating safety rules.

Gomez on Novak Djokovic

"They better get used to it. Maybe in Europe you will have some fans in September, but the sport needs to start with all the safety recommendations. Strictly followed," said Andres Gomez. "To not do it you should get penalized and treat it as doping or betting. If not ready, stay home and let the ones that are gonna follow the rules play. I am sure some players needed the rest and others to get in better shape. As for tennis, they will get in the rhythm playing a lot of practice sets," Gomez added. "As we can see there are preparation tournaments and exhibition to start getting match tough. Players in semifinals and final are the ones that are gonna be thinking if they would play the next Masters 1000 and Paris. There is going to be a lot less for the players to do besides practice and matches, limited press and almost no appearances. It is going to be interesting" - he concluded. Alexander Zverev who did not test positive but competed in the event was seen partying in Monaco after saying he would be quarantining himself, drawing the ire of a handful of people in the tennis community. Denver Nuggets basketball star Nikola Jokic, who was pictured hugging Djokovic at a Basketball match in Serbia on June 11, also tested positive but there is no evidence that either man gave the virus to the other. Novak Djokovic shared his apology on Twitter and said he and his wife would self-isolate for 14 days.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2NKPpIF