It’s has been a week since Novak Djokovic tested negative for the coronavirus, and he has started his work as the President of the ATP Players Council. A lot of questions were raised about his leadership and so the World No.1 is doing his best to help the other players.
The ATP has announced a revised system for calculating the men’s tennis world rankings for when the season resumes.
Djokovic in the latest interview with Sportski Zurnal spoke about the main focus of the ATP and the council. Due to the pandemic, the lower-ranked players have been in financial problems. So starting the season is very important so that they can earn money. The ATP and the council also respect the decision of players who won’t play due to the corona virus. So there have been certain changes to the ranking system.
“We discussed it in the Council and that decision was made because we wanted to protect the players that don’t want to put themselves into risk and to travel. Some won’t play until the end of 2020 and in this way the list protects them, they are not losing points. On the other hand, players who play will have a chance to earn new points. In this situation, I believe It was the best option.” said Djokovic.
“The ATP and Council want to protect the players that don’t want to play.” – Novak Djokovic
The New ranking system gives Rafael Nadal a chance to overtake Djokovic for World No.1. The Serbian was asked about this, but he refused to comment on that. He reiterated that the top priority here is to protect the players who aren’t playing
“I don’t want to comment on that, I think this is the most just towards everybody. Someone will always feel damaged. But I repeat the ATP and Council wants to protect the players that don’t want to play.”
Djokovic also supported the tournaments that will start in August. He understands that many players need to play and earn money so holding these tournaments will help them.
“I don’t have that kind of pressure that the others feel and of course, I understand them because the vast majority need to play now and earn money. I salute to the efforts being made to hold tournaments especially in the US and in Europe despite this big crisis,” he said
