Novak Djokovic Tests Positive for Corona Virus after Controversial Tennis Tour

Siberian Tennis star Novak Djokovic has tested positive for the viral pandemic COVID-19 after he organized a controversial tennis tournament in Eastern Europe with almost little to no regard for social distancing and the problems that can arise due to negligence. 

Djokovic issued a statement in late June, suggesting that he had caught the dreaded Corona Virus along with his wife, and coach. His children tested negative for the virus after double tests. 

Djokovic still went on to defend his decision for organizing the recent tennis tournament, saying that it was held in good intentions. 

“We organized the tournament at the moment when the virus had weakened, believing that the conditions for hosting the Tour had been met,” he mentioned in his statement.

“Everything we did in the past month, we did with a pure heart and sincere intentions. Our tournament meant to unite and share a message of solidarity and compassion throughout the region,” he further added.

Toni Nadal spoke to ESPN about the tournament and about Djokovic’s eventual COVID positive result. He mentioned this was a mistake literally anyone could make, and Djokovic has been the bigger man by coming out and apologizing for it. 

“It was a shame. A good initiative ended up being a coronavirus problem that has not been good for tennis or Djokovic. Everyone should have been more cared for,” he said. 

“It’s a mistake anyone can make and Novak Djokovic has apologized for it” 

“In Serbia, they were not so strict. It’s a mistake anyone can make and Djokovic has apologized but it’s a setback in the process of normalizing the circuit,” he said. 

The fallout after the Adria Tour has made USTA and ATP even more careful of what’s to come. With the cramped calendar this year, it won’t be a surprise if players opt out of major Grand Slams. 

YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=820TsEkIAWg

Roger Federer to Miss Tennis Until 2021 Because of Knee Operation

Twenty times Grand Slam Singles Champion and Decorated Tennis Legend Roger Federer will miss all forms of competitive tennis until 2021 because of his second knee operation in a matter of months. 

The tennis legend, who is aged 38 currently, underwent a follow up arthroscopic surgery recently, after he went through a similar procedure back in February of this year. Roger Federer, who still hasn’t retired from the world of competitive tennis, saw his last major Grand Slam win in 2018’s Australian Open. 

Federer said he “experienced a setback during (his) initial rehabilitation.” “I plan to take the necessary time to be 100 percent ready to play at my highest level,” Federer mentioned in a statement on Twitter. “I will be missing my fans and the tour dearly but Il look forward to seeing everyone back on tour at the start of the 2021 season.”

This announcement by Roger Federer has renewed speculation among fans and followers that Roger Federer could soon be hanging his shoes and calling it quits to his international career. We wait for the day to come when Federer retires, as it sure will be a rollercoaster to see him hang his boots after a stellar career. 

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt0bgX75yko

Dominic Thiem Spurs Controversy after Criticizing Tennis Relief Fund

The current COVID-19 outbreak has had a massive impact on the world of sports and tennis. The International Tennis Federation recently came up with an idea to generate a fund for supporting lower-ranked players amidst the Coronavirus. However, 26-year-old Australian Dominic Thiem didn’t respond well to the news.

He mentioned that most lower-ranked players aren’t professionals and do not commit 100 percent to the sport.

“None of the lower-ranked players have to fight for their lives. I’ve seen players on the ITF Tour, who do not commit to the sport 100 per cent. Many of them are quite unprofessional. I don’t see why I should give them money,” Thiem said in a recent interview.

“I would rather donate to people and institution, who really need it. There is no profession in the world, where you are guaranteed success and high income at the start of your career. None of the top players took anything for granted. We all had to fight our way up the rankings,” Thiem further added.

Thiem has been criticized by many other players including Nick Kyrgios for his ideas, but he has mentioned that he won’t back down from them.

“There are just a few things that bother me about the whole thing,” Thiem told Sky Sport Austria.

“I don’t want to back down from my opinion that there are some players I don’t want to support. I’d much prefer it to be chosen by the players themselves because then those players who really need it and who really deserve it will benefit.”

Dominic Thiem has also found support from some other players, while a few players have slammed him for his strong and uncalled for opinion during this hour of need for all professional tennis players.

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

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

Maria Sharapova Drops Curtains on a Glittering, Controversial Career

Russia’s Maria Sharapova just called curtains on her career last month after being the highest-paid sportswoman of the world for 11 years on the trot and after winning 5 grand slams. There are not many sports stars with careers as controversial and as glittering as Sharapova’s.

Sharapova, born in Siberia and aged 32, completed her rags to stardom story when she defeated Serena Williams in 2004. Aged just 17 back then, Sharapova was touted as the next big thing in Tennis.

“I’m new to this, so please forgive me. Tennis — I’m saying goodbye. Looking back now, I realize that tennis has been my mountain. My path has been filled with valleys and detours, but the views from its peak were incredible. After 28 years and five grand slam titles, though, I’m ready to scale another mountain, to compete on a different type of terrain,” said Sharapova while announcing her retirement.

Shamil Tarpischev, President of the Russian Tennis Federation, also commented on her retirement and said, “It’s a shame, of course, because Maria was a role model for everyone. Many girls compared themselves to her. She was number one for the popularization of Russian tennis. Her image was huge.”

Sharapova’s otherwise illustrious career took a turn for the dark when she was defeated for the 18th time by Serena Williams in 2016. Other than the defeat, reports of her failing an anti-doping test took the world of Tennis by storm. She was banned for a couple of years by the ITF and went from being the most loved sportswomen to having all her sponsorships taken away from her.

Sharapova later claimed that she didn’t realize the meldonium she had taken for health issues was included in the list of banned substances by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

While her confectionary company, named Sugarpova, will keep her busy, Sharapova will surely miss the thrill of competition.

“In giving my life to tennis, tennis gave me a life, ” Sharapova said.

“I’ll miss it every day; I’ll miss the training and my daily routine.”

 

YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM1xZPaAJR8