Novak Djokovic has vowed to continue with his plans for the upcoming Wimbledon championships following a series of terrorist attacks to strike the UK with other players expressing similar desires.
On Saturday Great Britain suffered their third attack since March when three assailants ran people over in a transit van before going on a stabbing spree in London. Seven people were killed and 48 people were injured, some critically. The so-called Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack. Less than two weeks prior to the London atrocity, 22 people were killed in a suicide bombing at the Manchester Arena.
The terror threat comes as the world’s best tennis players will soon start getting ready for the British swing of the tour. Prior to Wimbledon, two ATP and three WTA tournaments will take place in the country.
“It’s very disturbing that one of the biggest cities in the world, most important cities in the world, some of the most popular locations are suffering these terrorist attacks. So of course it makes you wonder a little bit, makes you question certain things.” Said Djokovic.
It is not the first time that the tennis world has had to contend with the threat of terrorism given their extensive travel regime. It is for this reason why many players are refusing to succumb to the fear and proceed with their original plans.
“If we live in fear, you know, that’s not life.” Explained Djokovic. “I also believe that you kind of attract certain things that when you are living under stress and fear of everything.’
“Everything will progress the same in terms of my plans for Wimbledon and I will try to go there with family, and of course be conscious.”
Due to the growing trend of ‘low-tech attacks,’ the obvious reservations are still being expressed by some, including nine-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal.
“It’s terrible to hear these kind of things all around. Is very bad news, and with these kind of things, you cannot feel 100% safe in the one Place.” – Nadal
Venus Williams is also no stranger to dealing with the issue. Just three days after defending her title at the US Open in 2001, America was hit by the 9/11 attacks, which was the most deadly terrorist attack in history.
“There’s a lot of stuff happening in the world today. I don’t have any answers. I really don’t. If I did, I promise you I’d fix it.” Williams replied when asked about the London attacks.
Despite the fear, the resilience of the tennis world is far greater. This has been illustrated at the French Open in Paris. Similar to the UK, France has suffered at the hands of terrorism. The most recent occurred in April when a lone gunman killed a policeman in an attack at Champs-Elysees, a district located in Paris.
“At the end of the day, I think they are here (in Paris) and the UK are trying to do everything they can to keep the security at the highest level, and I think here they are doing a good job. I’m sure that when we go to the UK to play, they will do a great job, too.” Former world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki concluded about the security situation.
