Novak Djokovic relishing fan influx at charity tournament

World primary Novak Djokovic is wanting ahead to returning to motion in entrance of followers on the Serb’s charity tennis match in Belgrade this weekend.

The first leg of Djokovic’s Adria Tour is being held at his tennis advanced by the Danube River, with Germany’s Alexander Zverev, Austrian Dominic Thiem and Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov arriving for the occasion.

Fans will be capable to attend regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic after the federal government lifted its ban on outside public gatherings.

“We have different circumstances and measures (to other countries) so it’s very difficult to think of international standards (regarding the pandemic),” Djokovic advised a information convention.

“We’ve had better numbers compared to some other countries. Of course, lives have been lost and that’s horrible to see, in the region and worldwide. But life goes on and we as athletes are looking forward to competing.

“You can also criticise us and say this is maybe dangerous but it’s not up to me to make the calls what is right or wrong health-wise. We are doing what the Serbian government is telling us and hopefully we soon will get back on tour collectively.”

Serbia, with 12,175 registered COVID-19 instances and 252 deaths, has lifted the ban on outside public gatherings. Some 25,000 followers turned up at Belgrade’s soccer derby on Wednesday.

Djokovic mentioned final week that proposed security protocols on the U.S. Open, scheduled to start on Aug. 31, had been so excessive it will be inconceivable to take part and world quantity seven Zverev backed up his issues.

“Everyone wants to compete at a Grand Slam if possible, but with the circumstances now it will be very difficult,” the 23-year-old mentioned from Hamburg.

“You’d have to stay at JFK Airport in quarantine for two weeks and that means coming two weeks in advance as you wouldn’t be able to play straight away. You’re also not allowed to go anywhere except the stadium and the hotel.

“No spectators, no on-site locker rooms, showers, or food. We’re only allowed to take one person with us. My opinion is that not a lot of players would feel comfortable in that environment.”

Several thousand followers are anticipated to throng the makeshift stands at Djokovic’s advanced over the weekend and Thiem mentioned he was delighted to be a part of the occasion.

“It’s amazing that we will play in front of a crowd again and get that atmosphere back so I really can’t wait for tomorrow,” he mentioned.