Tennis Australia’s choice to grant Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem a privileged quarantine in Adelaide has sparked countless controversies. Criticism has intensified especially after 72 players were placed in solitary confinement following positive tests that emerged on charter flights to Melbourne.
World number one Novak Djokovic sent a letter to Craig Tiley calling for an easing of restrictive measures, a move that was welcomed by players, but also criticized by a section of the population who already resented the participants in the ‘Australian Open.
Indeed, the tennis players have obtained a special authorization from the authorities to reach the country, while 37,000 Australian citizens are still waiting to be able to return to the territory.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Nadal expressed his opinion on the matter (after being accused of his silence by Argentinian Guido Pella).
Nadal on his relationship with Federer and Djokovic
“It’s understandable, respectable.
Where’s the privilege line? I have a different point of view, “said Rafael Nadal.” Here in Adelaide our conditions have been better than most conditions in Melbourne, but some players in Melbourne have bigger venues where they can perform activities. physical, others smaller rooms where they cannot have contact with their coach or physical trainer.
Where’s the line? It’s a question of ethics, which everyone has their own opinion. “Nadal believes that if the Melbourne players really wanted a level playing field, they should also have raised their voices against the fact that even one only player be sent to strict quarantine.
“Or with regard to the 29 players who were unfortunately stranded without being able to train, I didn’t see any of the players complaining about these conditions saying, in order for us to have a level playing field, we are all going to take action. quarantine without training, ”added Nadal, who is a member of the Players Council.
Rafael Nadal went on to praise his two biggest rivals – Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic – saying that the members of this trio have become better players over the years. “I think we’ve always had a good relationship, a lot of respect.
We have done great things together and important things for our sport, “said Rafael Nadal.” We push each other to be better. Having someone in front of you who does a lot of things better than you does gives you a clear idea of what you need to improve to achieve your goals. “
A few days ago news also broke that Rafa would be among the protagonists of the Rotterdam tournament, which could see him return to the top of the ATP rankings.
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