Novak Djokovic in a social media report on Tuesday sought to make clear his highly-questioned letter to Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley, insisting that his ‘good intentions’ be misinterpreted.
After positive COVID-19 tests on three charter flights to Melbourne, 72 players are currently in a tough quarantine period, resulting in 14 days of self-isolation in their hotel rooms. In his initial remarks to Tiley, Djokovic suggested that quarantine restrictions be relaxed and was immediately criticized for his lack of awareness by many in Australia, including Nick Kyrgios and Sam Groth.
Djokovic allegedly called for a shortened isolation period and private housing options with tennis courts for those affected.
“My good intentions for my rivals in Melbourne have been misinterpreted as selfish, difficult and ungrateful,” Djokovic wrote. ‘It can not be further from the truth.
“Not every act is taken at its face value and sometimes when I see the consequences of things, I tend to ask myself if I should just sit back and enjoy my benefits instead of paying attention to others’ choose to do something and be of service despite the challenging consequences and misunderstandings. ‘
Djokovic, who is currently in a more relaxed quarantine in Adelaide ahead of an exhibition event leading up to the Australian Open, said his proposals were made up of a group discussion with other players and that he knows one of them is unlikely to be granted Will be. He then apologized for how his comments were viewed.
“Things in the media increased and there was a general impression that the players (including myself) are ungrateful, weak and selfish due to their unpleasant feelings in quarantine,” he wrote. ‘I’m so sorry it came that way, because I know how grateful many are. We all came to Australia to compete.
“Not being able to practice and prepare before the tournament starts is really not easy. None of us have ever questioned 14 days of quarantine, despite what is being said by media.”
Djokovic is the youngest player, along with Roberto Bautista Agut and Alize Cornet, to apologize for comments regarding the quarantine being considered insensitive.
He also came under scrutiny during the summer due to his unfortunate Adria tour, which did not comply with generally accepted COVID-19 protocols and saw many of his players, including Djokovic, test positive for the coronavirus.
The Australian Open starts on 8 February, three weeks delayed from the typical start date.