The 2021 Australian Open has provided plenty of talking points already, unfortunately, tennis isn’t at the forefront of the conversations. A total of 72 players are now isolating for 14 days after an individual on a flight from Doha to Melbourne produced a positive coronavirus test.
Now, lets not forget how Australia has handled this pandemic better than a majority of other countries, so we can excuse them for issuing tougher measures to prevent a potential outbreak.
Is it ideal for players to self isolate and not be able to train for 14 days on the lead up to a grand slam? Of course not.
Is it necessary? Absolutely.
The players knew before travelling they would have to self isolate on arrival and if they came into contact with a person who tested positive, it would result in ‘hard quarantine’.
So, if you aren’t happy with that, don’t go. Stay at home. Its either you obey and respect the rules, or don’t play the event. Simple.
Saving lives is more important than tennis players having perfect preparation before an event.
The response of a minority of players has been shameful. Complaints about food quality, room size and even a comparison to ‘jail’ from Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut. Is the size of your hotel room really a big deal after everything that has happened in the past year? Come on!
If you want to compete in the current climate, you have to make the sacrifices and get on with it.
People all around the world have lost family, friends, businesses and houses. Children are going hungry. So maybe have some perspective on life and appreciate your health.
The world number one, Novak Djokovic, has been criticised following his demands for quarantined players.
Everyone will have different opinions, but the overriding factor has to be that this virus doesn’t target specific people, so you can’t give special treatment to sports stars and run the risk of an outbreak.
Judging from players’ social media accounts, it seems Djokovic’s wish for sports equipment in hotel rooms has been granted, which is positive and will help players prepare better for the event. However, to ask for the number of isolation days to be reduced and private housing for players is just ludicrous.
Nick Kyrgios called Djokovic a ‘tool’ following his demands list and the Serb will be seen as the bad guy because he’s a big name demanding better treatment, but I think he’s trying to find that perfect balance between ensuring safety and tournament preparation.
The sooner the 2021 Australian Open is started and completed, the better.
Trying to organise a sporting event during a worldwide pandemic, with people flying from all over the world must be a living nightmare, but I think Australia has put the public’s health first, which is paramount.
My suggestion to a few players in ‘hard quarantine’ would be to just sit and think about what is important in life: family, friends and health.
Australian’s value these too and the last thing they will want is a tennis event to jeopardise everything they have achieved in their battle against COVID-19 and perhaps governments around the world could learn a lesson or two in their firm but fair in the handling of the pandemic.
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