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Novak Djokovic (zimbio.com)
Novak Djokovic has played down the significance of his comments he made at an ATP Players’ meeting by saying that his words has been ‘exaggerated’ by the media.
On Monday The Daily Mail reported that Djokovic gave a speech to players last week about the possibility of setting up an independent union. The move was allegedly part of a plan to help increase the amount of money given to players on the tour. Keeping in line with the pay athletes receives in other sports. It was also reported that Alexander Zverev backed the move, but he has now publicly denied that.
Speaking about the situation after his first round win, the former world No.1 dismissed the media frenzy surrounding him. Arguing that he has been portrayed as ‘greedy’ by some media organisations and has stated that he would not boycott the Australian Open over pay. Djokovic is a six-time winner of the event.
“I saw that some of you have written a story that has been a little bit exaggerated. You’ve taken things out of the context.” Djokovic said in his press conference.
“I saw that you’ve portrayed me as someone who is very greedy, asks for more money and wants to boycott.”
“But not much of what you have written is true. What happened is that we, players, just wanted to have us players talk about certain topics.” He added.
Weathering the storm, the situation has raised a debate about if the men’s tour should have a union. On Monday Ryan Harrison endorsed the potential idea of having one. Meanwhile, Viktor Troicki said that Djokovic’s words was done with the intention of helping out the lower ranked players.
Djokovic has also confirmed that a series of claims made about the meeting was incorrect. There was no talk about a boycott or equal prize money. More crucial was that he said that there was no lawyer present during his speech. Something that had been claimed by The Daily Mail.
“We wanted to use this opportunity to speak about certain subjects and see how everyone, you know, reacts to that, and I guess see what opinions are.” He said about the meeting.
“There were no decisions being made. There was no talks about boycott or anything like that.”
At the moment there are no signs of a mass rebellion over pay or the potential establishment of a union. Although some players have endorsed the idea.
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It is understood that Djokovic has laid out his argument for players receiving a larger share of revenue generated by tournaments. Addressing the current structure of the ATP Tour, the Serbian believes things are ‘going in the right way.’ A sentiment also shared by Maria Sharapova.
“Things are going in the right direction.” He said.
“I’m part of the council, but I don’t sit on these negotiation tables. Obviously before you get anything to be voted on the board, it has to go through council. It’s not only me that makes some calls, far from that.
“ I’m just glad that I’m part of it, that I can contribute to a better sport today, and the future. Hopefully the next generation will even have a better sport.”
Djokovic will play Gael Monfils in the second round of the Australian Open.