Novak Djokovic tried to clarify his heavily scrutinized letter to Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley in a post on social media on Tuesday, insisting that his “good intentions” were misinterpreted.
After positive COVID-19 tests on three charter flights to Melbourne, 72 players are currently in a harsh quarantine period, resulting in 14 days of self-isolation in their hotel rooms. Djokovic suggested easing quarantine restrictions in his initial comments to Tiley and was readily criticized for his lack of knowledge by many in Australia, including Nick Kyrgios and Sam Groth.
Djokovic reportedly asked for a shorter period of isolation and private housing options with tennis courts for those affected.
“My good intentions towards my fellow competitors in Melbourne have been misinterpreted as being selfish, difficult and ungrateful,” wrote Djokovic. “This couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Not every act is considered at face value, and sometimes, when I see the result of things, I tend to wonder if I should just sit back and enjoy my benefits, instead of paying attention to other people’s struggles. However , always choose to do something and provide service, despite the challenging consequences and misunderstandings. “
Djokovic, who is currently in a more relaxed quarantine in Adelaide before an exhibition event leading to the Australian Open, said his suggestions were compiled from a group conversation with other players and that he knew it was unlikely that any of them be granted. He then apologized for how his comments were perceived.
“Things in the media have increased and there has been a general impression that players (including me) are ungrateful, weak and selfish because of their unpleasant feelings in the quarantine,” he wrote. “I’m very sorry that it got to that point, because I know how grateful many are. We all came to Australia to compete.
“Not being able to train and prepare before the tournament starts is not really easy. None of us have ever questioned 14 days of quarantine, despite what is being said by the media.”
Djokovic is the most recent player, along with Roberto Bautista Agut and Alize Cornet, to issue an apology for quarantine-related comments that were considered insensitive.
He was also subjected to great scrutiny over the summer due to his ill-fated Adria Tour, which failed to follow the universally accepted COVID-19 protocols and saw many of his players, including Djokovic, present positive tests for the coronavirus.
The Australian Open is scheduled to start on February 8, three weeks behind its normal start date.