Things in Melbourne are getting quite complicated. More than 70 players have to follow a strict quarantine protocol after passengers on their planes to Australia tested positive for Coronavirus. This means that they cannot leave their room for 14 days without the possibility to train and get ready for the Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic tried to step in and he sent some requests to the government of Victoria asking for better conditions with 5 requests. However, the Serbian legend was slammed by the Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, that replied: “It’s a no!”
“People are free to provide lists of demands. But the answer is no. That was very clearly laid out beforehand. So the notion that there’s been any change, the notion that people weren’t briefed – I think that that argument really has no integrity whatsoever.”
Victoria is standing firm on hotel quarantine for tennis stars, after world No.1 Novak Djokovic issued a list of demands, calling for less time in isolation, and private housing. @NickMcCallum7 #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/lGbKhMBoYV
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) January 18, 2021
Djokovic is currently in Adelaide where he has the luxury of having a much sweeter quarantine alongside some other top players.
Novak Djokovic in 2021
At the moment ranked no.1, the Serbian played his last match on the 21st of November 2020 when he was overcome by Dominic Thiem 7-5 6-7(10) 7-6(5) in the semifinal in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).