The disqualification of Argentine Guido Pella and Bolivian Hugo Dellien from the Cincinnati Open also known as the Western & Southern Open has created confusion in the minds of the players and some big names have raised their displeasure over the move. World number 1 Novak Djokovic has raised doubts and sorrows over the decision. And former world number 1 Andy Murray spoke collectively for some players and voiced his concerns.
Guido Pella and Hugo Dellien were disqualified as their physiotherapist tested positive for the coronavirus. So the players even if they tested negative were quarantined for 14 days. In fact, disqualifying them from the Cincinnati Open and probably also from the US Open.
Novak Djokovic on disqualification
In a recent press conference, Djokovic called the situation “complicated”. When the players had a conversation with the chief medical officer of the US Open, they were informed of things contrary to what is written about the waiver.
“Now we have the situation with Dellien and Pella, which was quite complicated. Sometimes it is out of the hands of the USTA and ATP and the governing bodies of tennis. It depends more on the New York State Department of Health and we have to accept that. It’s hard, it’s not easy especially with these two guys, it’s not easy to see them out of the Cincinnati tournament and most likely out of the US Open and quarantined and yet having negative results. “ Djokovic said
“We were actually briefed by the chief physician of the US Open about a couple of weeks ago. When we had the conversation and asked a question about this specific situation these two players are in and he told us something that is obviously contrary to what is written in the waiver “, He added
Andy Murray on disqualification
Andy Murray explained what went through the psyche of other players after hearing the news. He talked about the renunciation. Most players thought that if a team member tested positive and the player did not share a room with the member, then he would be allowed to play provided he tested negative. But that’s not the case and therefore Murray, as well as other players, are disappointed.
“I think that’s not how I understood the rules from my point of view. My understanding was that if a team member tested positive but you weren’t sharing a room with that team member then you will be allowed to play provided you were negative. And I think this is what all the players thought were the rules. So when they pulled out of the tournament, the players were like that, that’s not what we thought the rules were. The players were disappointed with this. “ Murray said
Read more: Daniil Medvedev has angered US Open organizers for removing 2 players from the Western & Southern Open
As Djokovic pointed out, nothing is in the hands of the USTA or ATP. Apparently it belongs to the New York State Department of Health. But of course, there seems to have been a huge lack of communication between the USTA and players.
