Canadian tennis player Milos Raonic believes that Novak Djokovic will need time to regain the confidence of ATP players after the Adria Tour fiasco.
Main organizer of this series of tournaments presented in the Balkans, Djokovic is criticized from all sides for having ignored the threat that still poses the coronavirus. The Serb himself was infected during the event, as were three other players, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki. World number one coach Goran Ivanisevic and his wife Jelena were also infected.
In an interview with the TSN network, Raonic did not hide his discomfort with the recent choices of Djokovic, who is also chairman of the ATP players’ council
“I know he was one of those who were against the idea of coming to the United States Open,” said the 29-year-old Canadian. He said that under current conditions, he did not see how we could present a grand slam tournament. After the recent events, this argument no longer has as much weight. ”
“He did a lot of positive things for the players,” said Raonic. But after this incident, it will take time before he regains the players’ confidence. ”
An unnecessary risk
The Ontarian himself chose not to participate in the Adria Tour. He did not want to take the unnecessary risk of going to Europe before the possible holding of the United States Open, and he was not comfortable with the activities planned to promote the event.
“Tennis can be played under the current conditions, but I would not have been comfortable to participate in a soccer match for example to promote the event, or in a basketball match.”
The images that circulated clearly show that the players, in the context of these activities, did not care much to respect social distancing.
“It is unfortunate that he (Djokovic) receives all these criticisms. As I understand it, the initiative was based on a good intention, that is to bring the sport back, ”said Raonic.
“What bothered me, however, were the comments of some members of his family who wanted to blame Dimitrov. I think it’s totally unfair. ”
“Maybe it’s more the fact that Novak went to a basketball game where he met Jokic, who tested positive later … There are several possibilities.”
Raonic hopes that solutions for a safe return to play will quickly return to the heart of the discussions.
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