Rafael Nadal’s thinly veiled jibe after Novak Djokovic quarantine pleas: ‘Some of us help each other privately’
Rafael Nadal has defended his and other top players’ decision not to publicly address the quarantine debacle in Australia, saying “some of us don’t need or want to advertise when we help the most disadvantaged players”.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner’s comments came on the back of world No 1 Novak Djokovic’s controversial letter to Australian Open organisers and government officials about the hard lockdown rules for players in Melbourne.
Djokovic sent a list of requests to authorities asking for better food for those in quarantine as well as “private houses with tennis courts” for those affected.
However, there was a backlash from Australians and the Serbian later issued a statement defending himself against allegations of being “selfish, difficult and ungrateful”.
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 20, 2021
“But I find the silence of Dominic Thiem and Rafael Nadal stranger. Novak, at least, showed good intentions.”
In an interview with ESPN, world No 2 Nadal appeared to take a pot shot and Djokovic, saying: “We all try to help each other.
“Some need to make public all they do to try to help others, while some of us do it privately without publishing our calls or making propaganda with it.
He added: “The calls we make to help the most disadvantaged players, some of us don’t need or want to advertise it.”
Exclusive – Barbara Schett insists Novak Djokovic had good intentions with his letter to Australian Open chief
Nadal as well as Djokovic and Thiem are self-isolating in Adelaide ahead of an exhibition event and many believe they have an unfair advantage over those in Melbourne.
However, the Spaniard feels it is a bit more complicated.
“It is understandable, respectable. Where is the line of privileges? I have a different view,” he said.
“Here in Adelaide our conditions have been better than most of the conditions in Melbourne, but some Melbourne players have larger rooms where they can perform physical activities, others smaller rooms where they cannot have contact with their coach or physical trainer. Where is the line?
“I have not heard any Melbourne players complain that they have a better room or about those who have been confined without being able to train.
“I have not seen those who complain so much about our conditions in Adelaide say, ‘Why are there not equal conditions, now we will all go without training’.
“You always look up, always complain about a disadvantageous position.”
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.