Five tennis players who agree with Nick Kyrgios’s criticism of Novak Djokovic

Nick Kyrgios (Carine06, Wikimedia Commons)

We now know that Novak Djokovic of Serbia has tested positive for “coronavirus,” and the exhibition events in Serbia and Croatia over the last two weeks have been described as “reckless,” according to Aljazeera.

Once the positive tests of numerous tennis players were announced, Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios of Canberra, the 40th ranked player in the world, and two-time grand slam quarterfinalist, stated “it was a boneheaded decision to go along with the exhibition. Speedy recovery fellas, but that’s what happens when you disregard all protocols. This (coronavirus) is not a joke.” Over the last few years, Kyrgios has come out with controversial content. However, in this situation, he deserves high praise for showing leadership and common sense.

The players not only participated in the questionable tournament, but also attended a party at a night club during their time in Serbia. At this time, they deserve all of the criticism they are currently receiving for showing a lack of leadership. Here are five people in the tennis community who are agreeing with Kyrgios’s stance and disagreeing that these exhibitions took place the way they did.

5) Bruno Soares—According to Axios, the former Brazilian doubles specialist who is part of the ATP Player Council, called the tournaments in Serbia and Croatia, as well as the party at the night club “a horror show,” and that the players showed “enormous irresponsibility and high immaturity. They were totally careless, and it’s difficult for me to find the words.” In addition to Djokovic, tennis players who participated in the night club party were Alexander Zverev, Grigor Dimitrov, and Dominic Thiem. Dimitrov also tested positive.

4) Chris Evert–The 18-time major champion from Fort Lauderdale, Florida stated “I don’t understand. No safe distancing, total physical contact, no face masks, even the fans were without masks. I don’t get it. Not smart.”

3) Patrick McEnroe–The 1991 Australian Open semifinalist from Bronxville, New York tested positive for coronavirus in April. The younger brother of John McEnroe said the following to those tennis players in Serbia. “You need to be aware of who you are and lead by example. When I went and sent out a tweet a couple of weeks ago about that event in Serbia, I said ‘it looks like a normal tennis event to me.’ Not sure if everybody got my point. Maybe they are starting to get it now, We know there is nothing foolproof in our return in any walk of life during this virus. Nothing is foolproof, but do not be foolish.”

2) Andy Roddick– The 2003 U.S. Open from Austin, Texas, stated on Twitter, “This thing (coronavirus) doesn’t respect any sort of script. When you’re bringing people from around the globe, and putting them in close, unprotected proximity, the virus will live and transfer. I’ve been extremely vocal about social distancing and masks.”

1) Daniel Evans–Like Kyrgios, Evans is active on the ATP Tour. The 30 year-old from Solihull, England courageously blasted Djokovic and deserves high praise for his comments. According to Kevin Mitchell of The Guardian, Evans, who is ranked 28th in the world, said, “I don’t think you should be having a players’ party and dancing all over each other. He (Djokovic) should feel some responsibility for his event and how it transpired. It is a poor example to set. Even if the guidelines in that country (Serbia) are not two metres, it is not a joke is it? There has been a total disregard for that.”