Novak Djokovic, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, was dissatisfied with the limits imposed on the players at the Australian Open.
Viktor Troicki, a close friend of Djokovic’s, was on an aircraft where a passenger tested positive for COVID-19. Upon arriving in Melbourne, he was confined to a strict 14-day quarantine.
Troicki wasn’t the only one who was quarantined; 70 other players were also restricted from leaving their rooms for 14 days.
Despite suffering an abdominal pain during the Australian Open last year, Djokovic was able to win the title.
“It wasn’t a good experience for us (players), for example, it was really tough for Viktor Troicki. We had that quarantine in which we were allowed to practice, but if a player isn’t allowed to practice, then…
“To put a professional sportsman in that type of quarantine in which he is not allowed to leave his room.
“Then to expect from him to play at the expected level, really…
“Not to mention the higher chances of getting injured, including myself at this past Australian Open.
“If nothing changes in 2022, I think a lot of players will really give it a good thought of what to do.
“In the end, the economic aspect is what decides in the case of a lot of players,” Djokovic told Serbian daily newspaper Blic.
Djokovic feels players should not face this situation
“The main problem is that if you are on the plane with an infected person,
“Whether you are vaccinated or not, you are required to spend 14 days in quarantine upon arrival to Australia.
“That happened to Viktor Troicki this past January. Not only him, 70 players ended up quarantine. Djokovic further added that he spoke to many players who have a bad memory of it.
“I wish we players could unite more, whether it’s through the PTPA, ATP or WTA, only to be relevant in some type of decision-making. I feel that no one really cares about the players’ opinion,” Djokovic explained.
Read More: Novak Djokovic becomes 4th player in history to reach 12 semifinals at US Open