US Open: Novak Djokovic - "I was very close not to come"
Novak Djokovic is the big favorite in the upcoming two tournaments in the National Tennis Center. The world number one gave the New York Times a few insights into his soul.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Aug 20, 2020, 05:06 pm
Novak Djokovic made himself comfortable after his arrival in the USA. As expected, not at the Long Island Marriott, where most of the participants in the Cincinnati tournament and the US Open are accommodated. But in private accommodation, which is also subject to the strict regulations of the USTA. That Djokovic has to pay for the costs of sleeping away himself? For free. After all, the Serbian industry leader has earned well over 100 million US dollars in prize money alone in his career.
“With the trees and the tranquility here, this type of environment is a boon,” Djokovic said in a Zoom call with the New York Times. “I'm grateful because I saw the hotel where most of the players stay. I don't want to sound arrogant and the USTA did their best to secure the housing, organize everything so that the players can actually compete and come here. But for most players it is tough that they cannot open their windows and are in a small hotel room. "
Djokovic - Adriatic tour with the right intentions
Djokovic has not yet lost a match on the ATP Tour this year, his record is 18-0 wins and three titles: the man from Belgrade won the ATP Cup with Serbia, then the Australian Open and the ATP- Tour 500 tournament in Dubai. Most of all, the criticism of the Adriatic tour he organized, during which Djokovic himself and his wife Jelena tested positive for COVID-19, are remembered.
"We did something with the right ulterior motive," said Djokovic. “Yes, there were a few steps that could have been taken differently, of course, but will I be blamed for these mistakes forever? Ok, if that is the case, I'll accept it because it's the only thing I can do. Let others say whether that is fair or not. But I know our intentions were right. And if I had the chance to organize the Adriatic Tour again, I would do that too. "
Decision to start at the last moment
Last year Djokovic was not quite fit in the round of 16 failed to Stan Wawrinka, in 2018 he won in New York for the last time. After "Nole" was initially very critical of the guidelines issued by the organizer, there was speculation about the absence of the best player in the world.
"I was very close not to come," said Djokovic. “There were a lot of uncertainties and they still exist.” But to be clear: “I want to play. That's why I'm here. Personally, I am not afraid that I am in a risky, dangerous health situation. If I felt like that, I probably wouldn't be here. "