Whilst the ATP has suspended all of their tournaments taking place in Russia, it is reported the plans are underway to try and persuade Novak Djokovic to participate in another event in the country.
Russia has been suspended from hosting professional events following their military attack on Ukraine, which began on February 24th. Players from the country must compete as a neutral athlete and their federations have been banned from team events on the Tour. The same penalties have been applied to Belarusian players over their country’s support of the war.
However, Moscow has outlined plans to stage their own invite-only competition later this year which will be independent. Meaning that no ranking points will be on offer and it will not be endorsed by any of the seven main governing bodies of the sport.
Vladimir Kamelzon is a board member of the Russian Tennis Federation and has the status of an ‘honored coach’ in his home country. During an interview with state-owned RIA Novosti on Monday, Kamelzon claimed that the federation is currently in some form of ‘negotiations’ with Djokovic concerning the possibility of him playing in the upcoming event. Details of the tournament are still limited with an official date still to be confirmed.
“The Tennis Federations of Russia and Moscow are developing programs for the development of our sport for the near future. In particular, we are currently working on the Moscow Open Championship. We may call it the Mayor’s Cup, we have not decided yet,” he said.
“We will invite players from Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, other countries. We are negotiating with Novak Djokovic.”
When asked about Djokovic’s reported invite, Kamelzon said he wants the 20-time Grand Slam champion to attend ‘not as an honored guest, but as a player.” Adding that the tournament will be held during the summer.
Shamil Tarpischev, who is president of the Russian Tennis Federation, was coy when he was asked about the alleged invitation sent to Djokovic. Should this happen, it is very likely the tennis star will face criticism from some, especially Ukrainian players, if he plays.
“It is too early to talk about this tournament, about the timing. We are now changing our entire calendar, making our own system of competitions. It is too early to talk about any invitations. We will indeed invite many, but now is not the time to talk about Djokovic or anyone else, you need to first talk with the tennis players themselves. Djokovic’s participation will depend on his desire and the coincidence of our and his calendars. What you want cannot be passed off as real, you need to work, ” Tarpischev told sport-express.ru.
Djokovic has recently described Wimbledon’s decision to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from playing as ‘crazy.’ Joining the likes of Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray who have also condemned the decision. The world No.1 reiterated his position whilst speaking to the Madrid in Madrid on Sunday.
“I still stand by my position that I don’t support the (Wimbledon) decision. I think it’s just not fair, it’s not right, but it is what it is.” Said Djokovic.
Djokovic is yet to comment on the claim made by Kamelzon.
