World No.1 Novak Djokovic has been accused of breaking confinement rules after he uploaded a video of him practising on a tennis court.
The 17-time grand slam champion was seen hitting with another person at a tennis facility in Marbella where he is reportedly staying. Along with the video he wrote the caption “So happy to play on clay … well, just for a bit with my phone in the hands. I don’t recommend this to anyone 18- years old.” Following his upload, questions have been raised about whether the Serbian was allowed to play at the venue in the first place.
On Monday Spain partially relaxed their lockdown rules in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic that includes allowing athletes to return back to training outdoors. However, most sporting facilities remain closed until next week. The exception being those used as training centres for professional leagues such as football.
“High Level Athletes (DAN) / Professionals may exercise physically outdoors, alone or accompanied by a coach during flexible hours, within the geographical limit of their province.” The Spanish Tennis Federation said in a statement.
“Given the doubts that the Ministerial Order offers in some aspects, and after having made the appropriate consultations to the CSD, the opening of the training centers and clubs will take place from Monday, May 11.” They added.
It is unclear as to if Djokovic had for certain broken any rules or if he will be fined for doing so. It is understood that a series of guidelines are being worked on by the Spanish Tennis Federation at the moment and will likely be released next week.
Djokovic wasn’t the only member of the Big Three to have recently returned to the court. Rasfael Nadal has also done that same, but at a private facility located at his friends house. In a recent interview with La Voz de Galicia Nadal said he is unsure if he is currently allowed to practice at his academy.
“I’ve been able to train in a private house, because I’m not sure if I can go to the academy.” He said.
“So I preferred to avoid confusion and go train at a friend’s private country house, which has a lead and left it to me.’
“Luckily it seems that little by little we are containing this disaster. Since yesterday we can go for a walk, something so simple that we always take it for granted but we enjoy it again.”
According to the newspaper Marca Nadal held a hitting session before guidelines were released that said players are unable to return to the court yet. Meaning that he will be unable to repeat his practice again on Tuesday. Although he never broke any rules as he was on private property.
All professional tennis tournaments have been cancelled since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The resumption date of the Tour is July 13th, but the suspension is expected to be extended in the coming weeks.
