‘It was disastrous and may have consequences’ – Roger Federer’s former coach blasts Novak Djokovic

Tennis News
Novak Djokovic gestures

The former coach of Roger Federer and Andy Murray has criticised Novak Djokovic over the ‘disastrous’ Adria Tour, but admits the intentions were good.

Djokovic organised the Adria Tour but courted controversy by resisting calls to implement social distancing.

That meant 4,000 fans were in the stadium in Belgrade, and players were later seen partying together and playing basketball with each each other.

All that came to a crashing halt when several players, inducing Djokovic, and staff members tested positive for Covid-19, and Paul Annacone, a seasoned and respected coach, understands the criticism.

“I think there’s a lot of his peer group who are scratching their heads,” Annacone told Sports Illustrated.

“His [Novak Djokovic] passion to do something good clouded all the information, all the science.

“It was a good cause, driven by the right reason, but the end result was pretty disastrous.”

Annacone also worries that the Adria Tour fiasco may have reaching consequences for players, many of whom may have their confidence in their safety dented.

“There’s 10 people on the council; they should figure how they feel about it,” he added.

“You have 500 players around the world on razor’s edge, hoping they can play in eight weeks [at the US Open]. Every action has a consequence.”

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