Novak Djokovic criticised for Australian Open complaints amid coronavirus chaos

Australian Open: Two players test positive for coronavirus

Novak Djokovic has received fresh criticism after reportedly making a series of demands to Australian Open chiefs amid coronavirus chaos in Melbourne. A total of 72 players are in strict isolation after a number of positive tests were returned from the flights that took players and coaches Down Under last week.

Djokovic was described by rival Nick Kyrgios as “a tool” after he reportedly wrote to Australian Open CEO Craig Tiley calling for major changes.

The world No1 asked for fitness and training materials be made available to all players being forced to quarantine in hotel rooms.

He also wants to see the number of days players have to isolate for to be reduced from 14 with regular testing made available.

The Serbian wants guarantees of good quality food available to those in quarantine as well as permission for them to visit with their coach or physical trainer, as long as they’ve both tested negative.

TOP STORY: Federer has put Aussie Open pressure on Djokovic in Nadal GOAT duel

And his final request, according to Spanish website Punto de Break, was for players to be moved to private houses with access to tennis courts.

Doubles legend Todd Woodbridge focused in on that final request as he said Djokovic was wrong to make such demands of Tiley.

“I mean, look, health is going to determine what was happening,” Woodbridge told 9 News.

“So, going to Craig wasn’t going to be right anyway. He couldn’t make those decisions, cited by Tennis Head.

DON’T MISS
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic given ‘unfair’ special treatment [QUOTES]
Novak Djokovic makes six demands to Australian Open chief [NEWS]
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic tipped to have 2021 Grand Slam issues [ANALYSIS]

“I tell you what, we would have to go searching for a lot of tennis courts in the backyard to be able to host all those players here in Melbourne.

“If it was about food and other things, well, look, they’ll be looked after. If they need more food, they’ll get more food. That’s not an issue.

“I know that the team at TA (Tennis Australia) would be doing absolutely everything to help these players.”

Former Australian player Sam Groth described Djokovic’s demands as a “selfish” attempt to gain popularity from his peers after setting up the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) last year.

He said: “To suggest players should have shorter quarantine isn’t only ridiculous, it’s insulting to Australians that have had to endure it.”

Source: Read Full Article