Coronavirus, professional tennis and controversies

Text by: Farid Achache Follow

Novak Djokovic and Andrey Rublev were scheduled to take part in the final of the second stage of the Adria Tour in Croatia on Sunday, June 21. It was canceled following the announcement of Grigor Dimitrov's positive test at Covid-19. This Monday, it's Borna Coric's turn to also announce having been tested positive.

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Like all sports, professional tennis has been brought to a halt by the pandemic since mid-March. But a week after taking part in the "Adria Tour", a series of exhibition matches organized by Novak Djokovic in the Balkans, Grigor Dimitrov, world number 19, announced on Sunday June 21 that he had contracted the new coronavirus.

Two coaches also tested positive

“  I want to make sure that everyone who has been in contact with me for the past few days gets tested and takes the necessary precautions. I am sorry if I caused harm. I went home and am recovering,  "said Dimitrov. Result, the final of the Adria Tour scheduled for Sunday evening in Zadar between Djokovic and the Russian Andrey Rublev was canceled.

During the tournament, few spectators wore a mask and the distance was hardly respected. Dimitrov was seen giving a hug to Dominic Thiem on the court. Djokovic had responded to criticisms of the little distancing observed by highlighting the "  rather decent  " record of the Balkan countries in their fight against the coronavirus.

Monday, June 22, it's Borna Coric's turn to announce that they tested positive for coronavirus after participating in the Adria Tour. "  Hello everyone, I wanted to tell you that I tested positive for Covid-19. I want to be sure that anyone who has been in contact with me for the past few days will be tested! I am very sorry for the harm I have done!  “, Writes the Croatian (33rd in the world) in a tweet.

Meanwhile, two coaches, one from Djokovic and one from Dimitrov, also tested positive, according to local press. Novak Djokovic decided not to be tested in Croatia because he did not experience any symptoms. Back in Belgrade, the world number 1 should see an epidemiologist and his doctor.

Nick Kyrgios takes offense at keeping US Open in New York

The best representatives of world tennis are all expected to resume official competition in August and almost all are eligible for the US Open which will take place without qualifications (August 31-September 13). A recovery in the United States which is not at all the taste of Nick Kyrgios.

The Australian virulent attack in a tweet to the president of ATP, Andrea Gaudenzi, after the announcement of the resumption next August 14 of the tennis season. Kyrgios is offended by the US Open in New York (behind closed doors from August 31 to September 13) despite health conditions linked to the coronavirus pandemic and events triggered by the death of George Floyd in the United States , castigating the "  selfishness  " of ATP. He also paid the Adria Tour with a tweet: “  Organizing this exhibition was a stupid decision. I wish you guys a speedy recovery, but that's what happens when you don't follow all the health protocols. This virus is no joke  . ”

According to the new protocol, players who will participate in the US Open will be tested for the Covid-19 before their departure for New York, upon arrival and throughout their stay, once or twice a year. week.

In order to "  reduce the risk  " of spreading the virus by limiting the number of people present at Flushing Meadows, the American federation has confirmed the lack of qualification. This has crystallized the anger of players at the bottom of the ladder, deprived of income since March. Usually 128 players and as many players above the 100th place in the world compete for these qualifications. In New York, only the top 120, plus eight wild cards, will be there. Athletes have until July to confirm their registration.

A slap for everyone who plays the qualifications

"  Thank you to the ATP and the US Open for further prolonging my unemployment,  " quipped American Mitchell Krueger, 195th world player and direct victim of this decision, on Twitter. "  What a slap in the face for all those who play the qualifications, who will not even have the opportunity to defend their chances and who literally depend on the money of the Grand Slams to survive  ", laments the American Sachia Vickery (158th player in the world ).

In the midst of a pandemic, the various bodies of world tennis have raised more than six million dollars for some 800 players who have been put into financial difficulties by the world health crisis. The American Tennis Federation (USTA) has set aside $ 3.3 million for the ATP and the same amount for the WTA, which it invites them to devote to "  compensating players  " deprived of qualifications and to "  subsidize or organize  " d other tournaments to help them.

Beyond the US Open restricted version, the new ATP calendar gives pride of place to the biggest events, with, over seven tournaments, two Grand Slam, the US Open and Roland-Garros, and three Masters 1000. And even if ATP "  continues to explore all the options for (adding) other ATP 500 and 250 tournaments  " and announces the resumption of the secondary circuit (Challenger) "  the week of August 17  ", the opportunities to play are likely to be very rare for the less classified goods.

(With AFP)

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