‘Players upset’ over privileges afforded to Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem
Doubles specialist Philipp Oswald has bemoaned the “much better conditions” that the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem have been afforded while self-isolating in Adelaide ahead of the Australian Open.
The world’s best tennis players arrived in Australia last week ahead of the 2021 season-opening Grand Slam and the majority will be spending 14 days in self-isolation in Melbourne.
However, the top three players in the ATP Rankings – Djokovic, Nadal and Thiem – as well as the top three in the WTA Rankings, Ashleigh Barty, Simona Halep and Naomi Osaka, and 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams will be spending two weeks in Adelaide as they will take part in an exhibition tournament once the 14 days are over.
More Australian Open players go into isolation taking number up to 72
Austrian Oswald is not only part of the Melbourne group, but on top of that he has been forced to quarantine for 14 days following a positive coronavirus test on the charter flight that he was travelling on.
The veteran admits players were not happy with the special treatment that some players are receiving.
“Conditions are much better in Adelaide,” he told Tennisnet.com. “First, players were allowed to take a lot more staff with them. [Daniil] Medvedev and [Alexander] Zverev, for example, were only allowed to take two people with them, while Thiem, Nadal and Djokovic each came with ten people (exaggeration, note).
“They also have a gym in their hotel. So they don’t have to do their fitness exercises during the five-hour period. You only have the five hours to play tennis.
“There was a huge discussion and the other players were also upset. It was then that Djokovic could understand that and wanted to be in Melbourne like the other players.
“One day later it was said that everything was already organised for him in Adelaide. It’s not apples and apples here, but apples and pears – and I caught the sour lemon.”
‘It’s a firm NO from me’ – Officials reject Novak Djokovic and co’s Australian Open quarantine requests
Oswald, though, concedes that the best players “earned” special treatment under normal conditions, but the rules have changed due to COVID-19.
“The top stars are always treated better. But they earned it somewhere because they bring the money and the whole tour lives off of them,” he said.
“Normally the players have no problem with this hierarchy, because it is about Rafa or Domi practicing at the best time on Centre Court.
“Now they are allowed to practice more. It’s really unfair if you look at it objectively. But that’s the balancing act that Tennis Australia has to manage.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins balks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev discusses his popularity compared to Carlos Alcaraz as he offers a theory
“For me, the result is the most important, it’s more important than, let’s say, looking good on the court.”
-
Tennis News
Andy Roddick gives honest verdict on Novak Djokovic’s shock coaching split
“I was surprised. You don’t look to make moves in March or April. This has had to be a surprise to both of them.”
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova serves up a desperate verdict on Andy Murray’s comeback hopes
Andy Murray is likely to have to wait several days to learn how long he will be sidelined for by the ankle injury he suffered in Miami.