Novak Djokovic tried to clarify his heavily scrutinized letter to Australian tournament director Craig Tiley in a post on social media on Tuesday, insisting that his “good intentions” were misinterpreted.
After positive testing of COVID-19 on three charter flights to Melbourne, 72 players are currently in a tough quarantine period that translates into 14 days of personal isolation in their hotel rooms. Djokovic had suggested easing quarantine restrictions in his initial comments to Tiley and was quickly criticized for his lack of awareness on the part of many in Australia, including Nick Kyrgios and Sam Groth.
According to reports, Djokovic had called for a period of reduced isolation and private housing options with tennis courts for those affected.
“My good intentions for my fellow competitors in Melbourne have been misinterpreted as selfish, difficult and ungrateful,” Djokovic wrote. “This could not be further from the truth.
“Not all acts are done at face value, and sometimes when I see the consequences of things, I tend to wonder if I should just sit back and enjoy my benefits instead of paying attention to the struggles of others. people, however, always decide to do something and be of service despite the challenging consequences and misunderstandings. “
Djokovic, who is currently in a more relaxed quarantine in Adelaide ahead of an exhibition event that will lead to the Australian Open, said his suggestions were gathered from a group chat with others. players and that he knew it was unlikely that any would be granted. He then apologized for how his comments were perceived.
“Things in the media escalated and there was a general impression that the players (including myself) are unpleasant, weak and selfish because of their unpleasant feelings in their forties,” he wrote. “I am very sorry that this has been reached, because I know how grateful they are. We came to Australia to compete.
“Not being able to train and prepare before the tournament starts is not really easy. None of us ever questioned 14 days of quarantine despite what the media says.”
Djokovic is the latest player, along with Roberto Bautista Agut and Alize Cornet, to apologize for comments related to the quarantine that were perceived as insensitive.
He was also subjected to intense scrutiny over the summer due to his ill-fated Adria Tour, which did not follow universally accepted COVID-19 protocols and saw many of his players, including Djokovic, test positive for coronavirus.
The Australian Open is scheduled to start on February 8, with a delay of three weeks from the usual start date.