Novak Djokovic: Players’ council President likely to be voted out following Adria tour farce, reports claim

Novak Djokovic might be forced to step down as Players’ council President after the Adria tour blowup that resulted in 3 players getting the coronavirus

Novak Djokovic is likely to be asked to step down from his role of the Player’s Council.

As per latest reports, at least five people from the exhibition tournament have tested positive for the coronavirus. These include ATP stars Grigor Dimitrov, Boran Coric, and Victor Troicki. Apart from them, Novak’s fitness coach and Dimitrov’s coach have also received the bad news.

Would Djokovic be forced to step down as Players’ council President?

Since the pandemic broke out, there has been no professional tennis action since March. Hence, Djokovic decided to host the Adria Tour before the ATP Tour resumes in August. He wanted to get players to match fitness after the lockdown break.  Top tennis players including Djokovic, Dimitrov,  Zverev and Troicki were participating in it.

Talk of players discussing Djokovic being voted off the Player Council. This has been an absolutely extraordinary last few months for tennis (and Novak), and we haven’t even resumed competitive play yet. https://t.co/FZCCkdLvaZ

— Matthew Willis (@MattRacquet) June 22, 2020

The tournament management had released a statement. It read –  “At all times we have strictly followed the epidemiological measures in place with the countries where the Adria Tour was organized.

The first event in Serbia attracted 4,000 fans, and several thousand attended in Croatia.

Novak Djokovic’s handling of the Council has come under the scanner

To add to the Serbian’s woes, he has received a lot of flak for his involvement in the council. He has been accused of missing important meetings, in spite of being the president.

🎾Djokovic’s leadership of the ATP Player Council has long been questioned.

Players now refusing to hold back displaying their contempt for his #AdriaTour, which has seen at least 3 players test positive for #coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/ZQbAhI64q6

— Will Robinson (@WillRobinsonUK) June 23, 2020

Nick Kyrgios is one of many players to question Novak’s leadership. He tweeted about the Adria Tour, sarcastically mocking Novak and co. – “Congratulations. Such leadership.”

Players rather want an inspiring figure like Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal to head the group. Tennis fans are suggesting veterans like Gael Monfils or Sam Querrey to replace Novak. 

It remains to be seen what happens next, but Novak has damaged his already shaky reputation further.

About the author

Subham Jindal

A Red - be it Manchester United or Ferrari. Hails from the hills of Kalimpong, Darjeeling. Aspiring to become a respected Sports Management professional.

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