'If I had the economic situation of Roger Federer...', says ATP player

Novak Djokovic has become an accident, adding more poison and fuel - lots of fuel - to the fire of this long eve of the Australian Open in full pandemic. Pulled by the jacket a bit 'by everyone, Nol now says the about him. The number 1 in the world has posted a long letter on his social profiles to defend himself from criticism for his requests to the director of the Australian Open, Craig Tiley, regarding the quarantine of the 72 athletes confined to hotel rooms in Melbourne. “My good intentions towards them have been misrepresented,” writes Djokovic. The number 1 in the world rejects accusations of being “selfish and ungrateful. He couldn't be further from the truth”. Djokovic had sent a letter to Tennis Australia chief Tiley with a list of requests regarding player quarantine conditions including a noticeable relaxation of restrictions. The players and their staff were placed in solitary confinement, unable to leave their hotel rooms to train, after several people on three Australian Open charter flights tested positive for Covid-19. The first Grand Slam of the season should start on February 8. On a recent podcast, Guido Pella placed special emphasis on Novak Djokovic's residence and pointed out the disparity between the housing conditions in Melbourne and Adelaide. The Argentine, however, feels more let down by Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem, seeing how they haven't used any of their influence to try and help their peers in Melbourne (Roger Federer will skip the 2021 Australian Open).

Pella on Novak Djokovic's residence

"These (Melbourne and Adelaide) are two completely different realities," said Guido Pella. "I've seen pictures and the balcony at Novak Djokovic is bigger than my room. But I find the silence of Dominic Thiem and Rafael Nadal strange." According to Pella, while Novak Djokovic is not perfect himself, he does at least 'speak up' when his colleagues need help. "Djokovic at least gets involved," Pella said. "He may make mistakes but at least he speaks up. I can’t vouch for anyone but at least he shows intention. I need to play to make money," added Pella. "If I had the economic situation of John Isner, who chose to stay at home, or Roger Federer, of course, I would act differently. This pandemic showed the true face of certain people in tennis. After that, I will leave the sport less happy than I would have left before I knew what I know about some people today." The 30-year-old believes that having clarity in this situation may have given other players a better chance to accept the preferential treatment. "I don’t mind the preferential treatment but at least say it from the start and give people the option to see if they can stand it," added the Argentine. "This Adelaide thing started less than a month ago and they put it out little by little so no one had time to react."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3iRFJuN