‘I will not accept it’ – Spanish star backs Novak Djokovic over US Open coronavirus conditions

Roberto Bautista Agut has backed Novak Djokovic in his criticisms of the US Open and their strict rules should they opt to go ahead with the tournament.
The US Open is currently adamant they are pushing ahead with plans to stage the tournament in September, despite the ongoing battle with controlling the coronavirus pandemic.
Rules would see players restricted to bringing just one team member with them, and also being largely confined to hotels to create a safe ‘bubble’. Extensive regular testing will also be mandatory.
Djokovic has all but ruled out playing the tournament under those conditions, and defending champions Rafael Nadal has strongly hinted that he will do that same.
Now, world number 12 Bautista Agut has added his voice to the choir of discontent.
“I do not agree with certain measures,” Bautista Agut told Eurosport.
“There are players for whom the physical trainer is very important, like the physiotherapist.
“Limiting the staff to only one coach seems to me to be a measure that will be difficult to pass.
“In any case, I will not accept it. Even if the tournament puts a physiotherapist at your disposal, not having your physiotherapist with you at the hotel is not possible.
“I agree with Novak Djokovic. Of course, his team is perhaps more important to him that teams are important to the others.
“There will be no fans, so we may well have one or two more members per team.
“I think we need to bring this up to the Players Council in order to lobby for better conditions.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic and Emma Raducanu facing huge rankings drop after Wimbledon decision
Djokovic is almost certain to lose his No.1 ranking.
-
Wimbledon
Comment – Why the removal Wimbledon’s ranking points could backfire on the ATP and WTA
Wimbledon has been stripped of its ATP ranking points following the decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon didn’t want to ‘risk safety of players’ or ‘success being used as propaganda by Russian regime’
Wimbledon has hit back at the ATP and WTA with a statement of their own.
-
Wimbledon
WTA statement as women’s body also strips Wimbledon of ranking points over Russian player ban
WTA also has harsh words for Wimbledon after stripping grass-court major of ranking points.
-
ATP Tour
ATP statement: Wimbledon slammed for ‘undermining integrity of the ATP Ranking system’
ATP unimpressed by Wimbledon.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon thrown into chaos as ATP strips Slam of ranking points over Russian and Belarusian player ban
Big, big news as players won’t earn points for competing at Wimbledon.
-
French Open
Iga Swiatek made French Open favourite by former British No 1 Tim Henman
Tim Henman has been impressed by the progress in Iga Swiatek’s game.
-
French Open
Naomi Osaka admits trepidation ahead of return to Roland Garros
Naomi Osaka took questions at Roland Garros for the first time since her 2021 walkout.
-
French Open
Iga Swiatek prepared to handle the heat of being French Open favourite
The world number one has won five successive tournaments and 28 straight matches.
-
French Open
Rafael Nadal praying the pain stays away in bid to win 14th French Open
The 35-year-old was troubled by the issue in Rome last week.