Category: COVID-19

Novak Djokovic Gets Stick for Weird US Open Celebration

It takes no microscope to see just how everything that Novak Djokovic does these days doesn’t go well with fans and followers. From organizing a tennis tournament without any COVID-19 precautions to defending his role in it, Djokovic hasn’t really been the perfect advert for the game of late. 

World No.1 Djokovic, however, remained unfazed with the criticism as he started his first round US Open match against Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia in style. Djokovic beat the world no. 109 with readings of 6-1 6-4 6-1. 

However, the Serbian star then went on to proceed with his usual celebration of thumping his chest and bowing down in front of the crowd. With no one inside the court, Djokovic kind of looked absurd and weird doing his routine celebrations. 

Djokovic had come into the tournament saying he would keep the celebrations alive and didn’t worry about the public backlash it would receive. 

“Look, I’m going to keep on doing it because I just – I don’t know. I think it’s part of the routine,” Djokovic said.

“It’s part of also me paying a tribute and a thanks to the match and to the court and to the occasion.”

We all know the reason behind crowd restrictions in place at the U.S. Open, but does Novak still want his stands to be full of people? Has he heard of a certain pandemic in place currently? 

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytr32bZehEo

Tennis Stars Lash Out at French Open For New Tournament Dates

The new COVID-19 virus seems to have brought a halt to all sporting events across the world as we won’t be seeing live action in the time to come. The French Open, which was originally supposed to be held in May this year, has postponed its dates to just one year after the US Open.

Also the dates for the new French Open directly coincide with the dates for the Laver Cup. Managers for the cup aren’t happy as they have already sold out tickets for the event in Boston. Players like Roger Federer who are slotted to play in both tournaments might have a hard time choosing.

The news hasn’t gone down well with tennis players, as they have lashed out at the authorities for the poor decision making.

“[French Open] asked for forgiveness, not permission,” a ‘top ATP player’ told journalist Jon Wertheim.

“Because they knew they wouldn’t get permission. But I’m not sure they’ll get forgiveness either.”

Jamie Murray showed his disdain at the event managers by tweeting: “Strong Move by French Open/FFT to move to end of Sept. I thought the powers that be in tennis were supposed to be all about working together these days?”

Alla Kudryavtseva was also highly critical of the administration for the open as she mentioned, “Dear, Roland Garros while I’m happy the French tennis federation is taking precautionary steps to ensure the tournament will be held eventually, I’d appreciate a heads up to players before a twitter announcement.” Her statement was issued through her twitter account.

Vasek Pospisil, a member of the Players Council at ATP, was perhaps the most vocal in his criticism of the decision. He said, “This is madness. Major announcement by Roland Garros changing the dates to one week after the US Open! No communication with the players or the ATP. We have ZERO say in this sport.”

All tournaments slotted to be held before June 7 have been cancelled because of the Covid-19 scare.

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2vnbiWK_gk