I’m the victim of witch hunt
Djokovic hits back at his critics
NOVAK Djokovic has accused critics of embarking on a ‘witch hunt’ against him in the wake of the disastrous Adria Tour that he organised last month.
In his first interview since testing positive for Covid-19, the world No1 fired back at those who expressed shock at the exhibition series where an apparent lack of socialdistancing saw a range of participants catch the virus.
The Serbian also joined Rafael Nadal in casting doubt on whether or not he would play the US Open at the end of August.
Djokovic, who resumed practice on Tuesday, told
Sportski Zurnal: ‘Lately I only see criticism, very malicious. Obviously, there is something more than that criticism, as if there is an agenda, a witch hunt.
‘Someone has to fall, some person, a big name to be the main culprit for everything. I leave it to others to say if that is fair, I don’t think it is, I think we must learn from this and adapt as we go along.’
At the time of his project, the virus was receding in Serbia, but the government there have accepted that regulations may have been relaxed too soon and have reintroduced a lockdown in Belgrade after a rise in cases.
However, there did appear to be an almost concerted effort to defy any social distancing conventions at the two events which took place before the tour was abandoned.
With American player Frances Tiafoe having tested positive at a tournament in Atlanta, the chances of the US Open taking place seem to be shrinking, even before yesterday’s announcement of the postponement of the Ryder Cup.
Djokovic raised the possibility that none of the big three might be there, with Roger Federer already out injured. The Serb suggested he would play at the clay court Madrid Open, which gets under way immediately after the end of Flushing Meadows and involves an abrupt switch of surface.
‘I’m not sure I’ll play in the US Open,’ he added. ‘I plan to play Madrid, Rome and then Roland Garros in September.’
He stressed he is in favour of efforts to get tournaments on, even if it is proving highly problematical in some parts.
‘I support that the USTA (US Tennis Association) wish to hold tournaments in Washington, Cincinnati and the US Open as it is very important for the survival of many tennis professionals,’ said Djokovic.
‘Like everyone, we are going through economic difficulties. I don’t have that kind of pressure and, of course, I understand them because the vast majority need to play now and earn money.
‘I salute the efforts being made to hold tournaments, especially in the USA and in Europe, despite this crisis, but there is a limit to everything.’
Djokovic was on the ATP Player Council who approved a temporary shift in the ranking system that will see events counted over a 22-month period, even though this probably helps world No 2 Nadal more than himself.
‘Some (players) won’t play until the end of 2020 and in this way the list protects them, they are not losing points,’ said Djokovic. ‘On the other hand, players who play will have a chance to earn points. In this situation, I feel it was the best option.’
Nick Kyrgios has renewed his criticism of those who took part in the Adria Tour, and looks among the certain non-starters in New York.
‘This just shows what a joke (Dominic) Thiem, (Alexander) Zverev and Djokovic think this is,’ tweeted the Australian.
‘Two of them partying like potatoes during a global pandemic. People losing lives, loved ones and friends, and then Thiem standing up for the “mistake”. These guys are the “top” of our sport. SMH (shaking my head).’