Words more, words less, it’s time to go Novak Djokovic (Victoria Azarenka had already done it) to express his feelings “of quarantine” through a letter. With the greatest possible goodwill to contribute to the better development of the Australian Open, number one assured that his only intention has always been to help, never to want to put obstacles in the way again.
Nole’s open letter:
Australia,
In light of the recent media and social media criticism of my letter to Craig Tiley (Australian Open tournament director), I would like to clarify a few things. My good intentions for my fellow Melbourne rivals were interpreted for minutes as selfish, difficult and ungrateful.
This couldn’t be further from the truth. Not all actions are taken at first glance, and sometimes when I see the consequences of things, I wonder if I should just sit back and enjoy my benefits instead of paying attention to the struggles of others. However, I always choose to do something and be helpful despite the challenging consequences and misunderstandings.
I really care about my fellow playerss and I also understand very well how the world is run and who is getting bigger and better and why. I’ve earned my privileges the hard way, and that’s why I find it very difficult to just be a spectator knowing how much every help, gesture, and good word mattered when I was small and insignificant in the hierarchical world order.
That’s why I use my privileged position to serve as much as possible where and when needed. I’ve always had a very good relationship with Craig, and I respect and appreciate all the effort he puts in to make the Australian Open a place we look forward to coming back to every year. In our email exchange, I took the opportunity to brainstorm about possible improvements that could be made to the quarantine of players in Melbourne who were completely locked out.
There were some suggestions and ideas I got from other players in our chat group and no harm was intended to help. I knew our suggestions were unlikely to be accepted, just as my request for quarantine with my team in Melbourne rather than Adelaide was denied prior to our trip due to strict government regulations. As I couldn’t be with other players in Melbourne, I made myself available to them if necessary.
I understand that organizing international sporting events during a pandemic poses health risks to the local community and the players themselves. So, I want to say a big thank you to Tennis Australia, against the Australian government and local citizens who are willing to take this risk with us for the love of the game and the many opportunities it offers to the economy of the country and its people.
We are honored and we will all do our best to follow established guidelines and protocols. We look forward to nourishing our bodies and being radiant for the mental and physical strength and endurance tests that lie ahead once the game begins. Things escalated in the media and there was a general impression that the players (myself included) are ungrateful, weak and selfish for their unpleasant feelings in quarantine.
I am very sorry that this has come because I know how grateful many are. We all came to Australia to compete. Not being able to train and prepare before the tournament starts is not easy. None of us have ever questioned 14 days of quarantine, despite what the media says. I really want to play for the people and join the frenzy of tennis and the energy of the city that has always led me to many victories. I also look forward to seeing all my fellow players together in Melbourne.
I am impressed by the many thanks and love you have received in recent days. I wish you all health and love, Novak.