Novak Djokovic defends himself against criticism, Adria tour continues without distance rules
The world number one Novak Djokovic has resisted criticism of the hygiene regulations as part of his Adriatic tour.
by SID / tennisnet
last edit: Jun 20, 2020, 10:09 am
"It is not easy to explain to people that the situation in the US or the UK is completely different from that in Serbia or the surrounding countries," said the 33-year-old at Eurosport.
The tournament series organized by Djokovic started last weekend in the Serbian capital Belgrade, but there was little evidence of a rampant corona pandemic. The spectator ranks were filled to the brim, the players hugged - and then celebrated boisterously in a club.
Djokovic said he was aware of the criticism "especially from the West". However: "We followed the rules and measures laid down by the government and public health institutions from day one. We didn't cross the lines."
This weekend the tennis tour, in which Germany's top player Alexander Zverev takes part, continues in the Croatian coastal city of Zadar. The first pictures already indicate that the "party mood" will look similar to that in Belgrade.
Game schedule for Saturday, June 20, 2020
In Zadar, both Djokovic and Zverev come on two missions each Saturday. Grigor Dimitrov, Andrej Rublev, Borna Coric and Marin Cilic are also at the start.