Djokovic: “We have to look for a formula like the NBA bubble”

Novak Djokovic, number one in the world, assured that the ATP circuit has to seek “a formula for the rest of the year”, something like the “NBA bubble” to prevent them from being quarantined for 14 days before each tournament in the room of a hotel.

“What we are seeing in this tournament is not normal. The best players are usually the fittest, as they have shown in the past (…) I am not here to complain, but We have to admit that (the quarantine) has an effect on physical health. And also mental and emotional. We hope this situation is only temporary, “said Djokovic after reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open, the first 'Grand Slam' of the season, after defeating German Alexander Zverev (6-7 (6), 6-2, 6- 4 and 7-6 (6)).

“Having talked a lot (with other players), I see that most do not want to continue like this the season if we have to have quarantine periods in most tournaments. It is an issue that must be discussed. I have spoken with some members of the players council and they say that they are in advanced discussions with the ATP leadership. I wait for answers “, added 'Nole'.

In this regard, the world's first racket said he “needs to understand what the rest of the season will be like after Australia.” “A Grand Slam is a Grand Slam. Here (in Melbourne), we have the usual prize money. I think this is one of the main reasons many have come and they have accepted fourteen days of quarantine. But that will not be the case everywhere, especially at ATP 250 or 500 tournaments, where there are big cuts in prize money, “he said.

This is why Djokovic proposes a system like that of the NBA. “Among the lower ranked players and the Challengers, I've heard a lot of complaints. I'm not pointing fingers at anyone, I'm just telling the truth and we have to talk about this. We have to find a way, maybe something like the NBA bubble. I've heard players talking about this, “he said. “We select a location and play all the tournaments there, on the same surface for three, four weeks, before a rest period, and then we do it again. We need to discuss these options. Especially because we have to be realistic, we are in Australia and we know that the situation is much better there than in most European countries, where there are restrictions, rules, quarantines, etc. From one country to another, the regulations will not be the same, “he recalled.

The Balkan, eight times champion at Melbourne Park (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2020), He will face Russian Aslan Karatsev in the semifinals, who continues to make history in the 'big' ocean by turning his match against the Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov.