More words, less words, it’s time to Novak Djokovic (Victoria Azarenka had already done so) to express her “quarantine” feelings in a letter. With the greatest possible will to collaborate in a better development of the Australian Open, the number one assured that his only intention was always to help, never to put more obstacles in his way.
Nole’s open letter:
Australia,
In light of recent criticism from the media and social media for my letter to Craig Tiley (director of the Australian Open), I would like to clarify a few things. My good intentions for my Melbourne competitors have been interpreted for minutes as selfish, difficult and ungrateful.
This could not be further from the truth. Not all acts are taken at face value, and sometimes when I see the consequences of things, I tend to wonder if I should 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 provocative consequences and misunderstandings.
I really care about my fellow playersand I also understand very well how the world is run and who gets bigger and better and why. I gained my privileges in a hard way and that’s why I find it very difficult to be a mere spectator knowing how much every help, gesture and kind word mattered to me when I was small and insignificant in the world hierarchy.
Therefore, I use my privileged position to serve as much as I can where and when needed. I have always had a very good relationship with Craig and respect and I appreciate all the effort made to make the Australian Open a place to wait for him to return every year. In exchange for our email, We took the opportunity to brainstorm the possible improvements that could be made to the quarantine of Melbourne players who were completely blocked.
There were some suggestions and ideas we received from other players in our chat group and there was no harm in helping. I knew there was little chance that any of our suggestions would be accepted, just as my request for quarantine with my team in Melbourne instead of Adelaide was rejected before our trip, due to strict government regulations. Since I couldn’t be with other Melbourne players, I made myself available to them if necessary.
I understand that hosting international sporting events during a pandemic poses health risks to the local community and to the players themselves. Thus, I would like to express my gratitude to Tennis Australia, to the Australian government and local citizens because they are willing to take that risk with us out of love for the game and the many opportunities it offers to the country’s economy and its people.
We are honored and will do our best to follow the established guidelines and protocols. We look forward to feeding our bodies and shining through the endurance and mental and physical endurance tests in front of us once the competition begins. Things in the media have grown and there has been a general impression that players (including me) are ungrateful, weak and selfish because of their unpleasant feelings in quarantine.
I’m very sorry he got to this because I know how grateful many are. We all came to Australia to compete. It is not easy not to be able to train and prepare before the start of the tournament. None of us has ever questioned 14 days of quarantine, despite what the media says. I really want to play in front of people and join the tennis frenzy 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 messages of thanks and love you have received in recent days. I wish you all health and love, Novak.