Nick Kyrgios has aimed an emotive swipe at Novak Djokovic and his Adria Tour, accusing the world number one of money-grabbing his way around Europe’.The Australian formerly withdrew from the US Open on Sunday due to the coronavirus pandemic, insisting it was ‘for the people’.
He also had a powerful message for his tennis colleagues, though, which included a fresh did at Djokovic and his ill-fated Adria Tour.
“Let’s take a breath here and remember what’s important, which is health and safety as a community.
“We can re-build our sport and the economy but we can never recover lives lost,” Kyrgios said.
“No-one wants people to keep their jobs more than me. I am speaking for the guy who works in the restaurants, the cleaners and the locker room attendants. These are the people who need their jobs back the most and fair play to them.
“But tennis players – we have to act in the interests of each other and work together.
“You can’t be dancing on tables, money-grabbing your way around Europe or trying to make a quick buck, hosting an exhibition.
Dear Tennis,
I will not be playing this year at the US Open.
It hurts me at my core…But I’m sitting out for the people, for my Aussies, for the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have lost their lives, for all of you. #SincerelyYours, @NickKyrgiospic.twitter.com/7EecHNU82l— UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) August 1, 2020
“That’s just so selfish. Think of the other people for once. That’s what this virus is about,
“It doesn’t care about your world ranking or how much money you have. Act responsibly.
“To those players who have been observing the rules and acting selflessly, I say good luck to you.
“Play at your own risk, and I have no problem with that.”
The Adria Tour was an exhibition tour of the Balkans that was organised by Novak Djokovic, but came under fire for a complete lack of social distancing safeguards.
Players were videoed partying together in Belgrade, as well as playing basketball together between matches what were often played in front of capacity crowds.
On the Croatian leg of the tour, though, the event had to be abrupt cancelled after a number of players and staff, Djokovic included, tested positive for coronavirus.
