Another example of why Djokovic will never be as popular as Federer or Nadal.
About Kyrgios, I know, right?
Did anyone read Novaxx self serving statement?
I also heard that a famous Serbian actor, who was hanging with the boys, also tested positive.
Plus, according to Jon Wertheim, players are talking about kicking him off ATP Players Council. He said, the players contacted him, not vice versa.
When I was watching the first weekend from Belgrade all I could think of the whole time was how crazy it was. Players hugging, ball kids handling their towels, no masks on at all.
I couldn’t concentrate at all on the tennis - that’s how nuts it all seemed.
I’ve decided to think of Djokovic as having done all tennis players a favor.
He gambled.
He lost.
Let’s learn from it.
I hope they don’t conclude that tennis isn’t safe. I still think tennis is VERY safe. Hugging, shaking hands, crowds, a concert, etc… NOT safe.
Yes, hopefully all the professional tennis players learn that they also are not immune to CV19 because they are athletes, in great shape and young (relatively) to boot.
Also. If they cannot abide by the rules the ATP/WTA/IFT/Slams will be enforcing once the tours start, then they shouldn’t play in them.
I’ll be tuning into the ladies “Laver cup” starting today in Charleston. Let’s hope they can behave better than the men did.
There’s already been professional tennis under quite controlled circumstances… with no Covid spike among the players. So it CAN be done. Djokovic was simply dumb/ignorant/arrogant about it, pick your description.
Watching the ladies in Charleston. They have ball kids (only two) who are masked and have gloves on, and are using a ball scooper upper. Great idea! No lines people, just an ump - so players are calling their own lines and umpire can overrule. It’s on clay so easy for players to call the lines.,
I’m not minding the no crowds either. Maybe because it’s in a real stadium instead of a backyard court - like the first few exos.
So, I think from a tv viewing perspective it’ll also be fine at regular events with no fans.
It is unfortunate the men have the virus but since they do it will be interesting to see how someone their age in elite condition reacts to the virus. Hopefully they will be asymptomatic and have no issues.
Well Dimi isn’t asymptomatic. According to what I’ve read he even felt ill before his match with Coric and he still played!
Add another one to the positive list.
Goran Ivanisevic
Nick Kyrgios is actually a voice of reason again while Boris Becker, Dominic Thiem, Novak, Djokovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki leave lots to be desired.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/talking-kyrgios-blasts-thiem-virus-row-071632915–ten.html
The world has turned upside down.
First Ash Barty, now Nick Kyrgios withdraws from U.S. Open as he asks others “not to be selfish and act responsibility.”
https://sports.yahoo.com/kyrgios-pulls-us-open-over-virus-fears-234609812–ten.html
Nadal’s out. Somebody beat Djoker.
I read that Dimitrov is still not feeling fully well. Is he on the roster for the US Open?
No matter who wins the Open he/she will always have an asterisk by the win. So many players are opting out.
Djokovic out of the US Open! I think it was the right call, but I’m still shocked.
https://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2020/09/novak-djokovic-defaulted-us-open-after-hitting-line-judge-wball/90545/
Watching the Djokovic coverage after the default, it’s no surprise he isn’t as popular as Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer. His temperament and his bypassing the press are an indication of his character. Sad to see. Hopefully he’ll address it sooner than later to salvage his reputation.
I am usually “anyone but Djokovic”. They absolutely made the right call, but I would have rather seen someone beat him.
Do you think this is the end of linespeople? 100% Hawkeye? I wouldn’t mind.
Hmm…I don’t think it will be the end lines-people, though I understand why you wouldn’t mind it. I wouldn’t mind it too, but don’t see it happening.
Didn’t know I could like James Blake more than I do, but I notched up my love for him as he and Chrissie took on John McEnroe’s plea that couldn’t they have done something for him as one of the all-time greats. The idea that they could have bent the rules based on his status was highly offensive to me. John had to dig his way out of that hole after seeing that no one was on board his train.
ETA: An apology on Instagram is not sufficient. Face the music.