Australian Open boss defends ‘better deal’ for the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams

Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley insists top players like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams are “getting a better deal” in terms of self-isolation ahead of the tournament as “it’s just the nature of the business”.
World No 1 Djokovic, 20-time Grand Slam winner Nadal and US Open champion Dominic Thiem as well as 23-time major winner Williams, WTA No 1 Ashleigh Barty, two-time major winner Simona Halep and world No 3 Naomi Osaka are in Adelaide instead of Melbourne.
It has let to complaints from some quarters with Austrian doubles specialist Philipp Oswald revealing “players are upset” over the special treatment that the elite are receiving.
‘Players upset’ over privileges afforded to Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem
However, Tiley has defended the decision as he feels the best in the business are always going to “get a better deal”.
“There the top players do have better living conditions because they have a balcony,” he said.
He added: “I get the feeling that it’s perceived as preferential treatment. But they’re the top players in the world, it was an advantage for us to get the additional quarantining space and it’s a great opportunity for Adelaide and they deserve it.
“My general rule is that if you’re at the top of the game, a Grand Slam champion, it’s just the nature of the business – you are going to get a better deal.”
The big-name players have been asked to self-isolate in Adelaide as they will feature in an exhibition tournament and Tiley says their hotel is not much different from those in Melbourne.
“[It’s] not dissimilar to what the players in Melbourne have,” he said.
“In Adelaide they have an on-site gym and they have exercise equipment in their room.
“It was reported that there were full gyms on the [hotel] floor [in Adelaide], but that’s not the case.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Tennis News
ATP pro explains why Novak Djokovic is ‘more impressive’ to face than Carlos Alcaraz
A player who has faced both Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz has compared the respective challenges.
-
ATP Tour
Which ATP star was the king of the comeback in 2023?
Alexander Zverev looks set to be named the comeback player of the 2023 season.
-
Tennis Features
The 5 records Novak Djokovic could break in 2024
Novak Djokovic is an unstoppable juggernaut when it comes to breaking records.
-
Australian Open
Trio of former World No 1s go straight into Australian Open draw with Special Rankings and wildcard
Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki have been handed main draw entries.
-
Tennis News
Brisbane International sports ‘best-ever’ field with nine Grand Slam winners headed to Queensland in January
The Brisbane International in 2024 will include nine Grand Slam champions.
-
Tennis News
Maria Sharapova issues stark social media warning
Maria Sharapova recently discussed the stress imposed on today’s society by social media.
-
Tennis News
Ben Shelton thrives on personal attention from Roger Federer’s On Sports
Who backs rising star Ben Shelton?
-
WTA Tour
Historic clay-swing tournament already drawing big names with Jessica Pegula and Ons Jabeur entered
Ons Jabeur and Jessica Pegula have signed up for the Charleston Open.
-
WTA Tour
Iga Swiatek’s 2024 tennis schedule: Where will the world No 1 begin her new season?
Which tournaments are likely to feature on Iga Swiatek’s 2024 tennis schedule?