Novak Djokovic Backs ‘Strict’ Covid-19 Measures At French Open Amid Concerns of False Results - UBITENNIS

Novak Djokovic Backs ‘Strict’ Covid-19 Measures At French Open Amid Concerns of False Results

The world No.1 gives his opinion about the testing procedure at Roland Garros after some players say their positive results were false.

By Adam Addicott
6 Min Read

Novak Djokovic has insisted that he is not bothered by the possibility that he may test positive for COVID-19 at this year’s French Open despite previously having the virus.

Leading up to the Grand Slam a series of players has criticised the tournament after being removed from the draw due to what they say was a ‘false positive’ results. The most recent of those is Spain’s Fernando Verdasco who published a statement saying he was ‘frustrated and outraged’ with officials. The 36-year-old said he originally tested positive for the virus, asymptomatically, back in August before doing so again in Paris. He then underwent subsequent tests which came back negative. Although under French Open rules, players are removed from the tournament following any failed tests and are not allowed a retest to see if their result might have been false. Katarzyna Kawa, Bernabé Zapata and the coach of Damir Dzumhur have reportedly been in similar situations.

Speaking about the current measures on the eve of the French Open main draw starting, Djokovic told reporters that he is not thinking about the same happening to him. The 17-time Grand Slam winner tested positive for the virus shortly after the Adria Tour back in July.

“I am not concerned about the virus being present or not present in me. I’m actually not thinking about it at the moment,” said Djokovic. “I’ve tested negative many times ever since I was positive. So that’s where I am.”
“I think the world is still not yet 100% clear on whether once you have the virus it is going to come back or not. Some countries are saying yes, some are not. There’s quite a lot of confusion out there medically in the advice and in the statements that we’ve been hearing.”
He added.

Nevertheless, there is a sense of discontent among some players on the Tour. Although Djokovic has refused to criticize the testing process as he thanked the French Tennis Federation for making the event happen at all. The French Open was originally set to start at the end of May but got delayed due to the pandemic.

“The rules are as they are here in France. It’s pretty strict. I guess it has to be that way. I am grateful as a tennis player that I have an opportunity to compete and just play in another Grand Slam. Hopefully we’ll be able to finish this tournament with no big consequences,” he states.

Due to COVID-19 the government has stated that no more than 1000 fans are allowed to attend the clay court major each day. A significant drop in original plans for 11,5000 daily spectators over three separate zones. The reduction has been applied due to a surge in cases in France.

The incident

Besides the challenges posed by COVID-19, Djokovic knows all too well that he enters Paris under close scrutiny following his unfortunate disqualification from the US Open after accidentally hitting a ball at a lineswoman. The Serbian is renowned for showing his emotions on the court when he plays, but will he be more cautious following the New York incident?

Of course, it was a shock for me and a lot of people. But that’s life, that’s sport. These things can happen,” the 33-year-old explained.
“But I don’t think that this will have any significant negative impact on how I feel on the tennis court.
“I mean, I won the tournament in Rome just a week later after what happened in New York. I did not feel any kind of emotional disturbance or difficulty to actually be able to play or still express my emotions in whatever way.”

Djokovic admits that it is an inner process with his trying to accept what happened and move on. He has already won five titles this year, including the Italian Open last week, and has a win-loss record of 31-1.

“I try to keep my negative reactions on the court as few as possible. But I guess it happens as well. I’m not going to be down on myself because of that. I also try to kind of accept it and forgive myself for what happened and move on,” he said.
“I really want to be my best version as a player, as a human being on the court, and win a tennis match. Because of the care that I have for that, I sometimes express my emotions in a good way or maybe less good way.”

Djokovic will start his French Open campaign against Sweden’s Mikael Ymer.

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