SW19 chief: Novak farce a vital lesson

WIMBLEDON’S hierarchy is hoping that good may come from Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour fiasco because it should make tournaments easier to manage in the ‘new normal’. Richard Lewis, All England Club chief executive, described the recent scenes from Serbia and Croatia as ‘disappointing’ but believes they may prove a blessing in disguise for The Championships and other Grand Slams. ‘What needs to come out of it is everybody to understand that the protocols and regulations around Covid-19 are in place for a reason,’ he said yesterday, prior to a fortnight that will now be filled with nostalgic TV memories. ‘I would hope from an organisers’ point of view — let’s say the US Open and Roland Garros, but also the other international tournaments — that protocols will be easier to enforce and observed than they otherwise might have been. It was an unfortunate situation.’ Lewis, a former player himself, did not wish to criticise the reigning men’s champion but pointed out that high-profile modern athletes all have a part to play in setting a good example. ‘I think it’s a fact in this day and age that all sportsmen and sportswomen have a leadership role that goes with the territory.’ The US Open may be nervous at unfolding events within the PGA Tour and also on the fact that the New York Marathon, scheduled for early November, was yesterday cancelled. These could be more relevant to its prospects than the shambles in the Balkans.