'I want to defend Novak Djokovic', says former World No. 1

The images of the Adria Tour, the charity exhibition organized by Novak Djokovic that was canceled after the announcement of the positivity to the COVID-19 of some players (including the World number 1 and his wife Jelena), went around the world. The decision not to comply with the safety protocols and the rules on social distancing has not had the expected effects, indeed the image of the Serbian is likely to be definitively compromised. According to some authoritative rumors, a vote could take place to decree the removal of Nole from his role as president of the players' council. The Belgrade champion did not receive great solidarity from his colleagues, taking in the harsh criticisms of Nick Kyrgios, Noah Rubin and Andy Murray. Only Gilles Simon tried to throw water on the fire, but the impression is that it will take much more to get this storm through. Meanwhile, Djokovic's former coach Boris Becker has broken a spear in favor of the 17-time Grand Slam champion, guilty of having committed some lightness but unjustly crucified and exploited.

Becker: 'The criticism he gets is unfair'

“I want to defend Novak Djokovic. I think the criticism he gets is unfair. The reason why everybody showed up was the right one. Yes I’m in agreement that maybe the party and basketball wasn’t necessary but I used to be 30 years old and when i see my friends I like to enjoy myself a little and when the camera is init in this day and age its always dangerous. I understand the temptation but i thin it was done for the right reasons and so we should hope that all players effected and everybody involved gets heal;thy and back on their feet and the tennis tour will resume with safety" - Boris Becker stated. Meanwhile, Paul Annacone, who has coached Roger Federer and Andy Murray, told Sports Illustrated: “I think there’s a lot of his peer group who are scratching their heads. His passion to do something good clouded all the information, all the science. It was a good cause, driven by the right reason, but the end result was pretty disastrous. There’s 10 people on the council; they should figure how they feel about it. You have 500 players around the world on razor’s edge, hoping they can play in eight weeks [at the US Open]. Every action has a consequence.” The COVID-19 pandemic forced the suspension of the professional season in early March and the 2020 Wimbledon championships were then cancelled.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/385aXZK