“These are Political Games”: Novak Djokovic Accuses ATP of Stalling His Return
Novak Djokovic has opened a can of worms after announcing that he had been nominated for a return to the ATP Player Council. The 17-time Grand Slam champion and former Council president stepped down back in August, along with fellow member Vasek Pospisil.
Novak Djokovic clarifies he didn’t run to be back in the Player Council
After his exit from the Council, the Serb floated a new players’ front named the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA).
Djokovic made his remarks after losing to the Russian Daniil Medvedev at the ATP Finals on Wednesday. He said the game’s premier governing body was standing in his way back to the Council.
“I’ve been nominated by my fellow players, I did not proactively run for Council,” the Serb said.
Novak Djokovic had more quotes, very interesting, in Serbian, about his return to the @atptour council with @VasekPospisil, and the fact that they will continue PTPA anyway. Thread 👇 pic.twitter.com/216ZTO5B3u
— Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) November 18, 2020
The Serb claims ATP rules changed to keep him out of the Player Council
Djokovic said the ATP has introduced an overnight rule barring anyone holding a post in another body from seeking membership of the Council. He said, “Up until last night, I wanted to collaborate with ATP as one of the PTPA cofounders… But by promoting the new rule by which you cannot be a member of the Council and any other organization within the tennis system simultaneously… They (ATP) have sent a clear message what they think all of it.”
The World Number 1 further added, “So again, @atptour went against desires of the large group of players that nominated @vasekpospisil and me. It is not us who have applied, like it has been reported in the media.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vat8dWbEHCo
The Serb even accused the ATP bosses of resorting to ‘politics’ to keep him out of the Council and said, “These are political games that take place behind the scenes and you barely see anything written about it… But it is important to write that Novak Djokovic is a hypocrite. But OK, it is not the first time, I’m used to it…It only strengthens my shield…And gives me even bigger motivation to do what is right for the sport and for the players.”
Novak Djokovic sees no conflict between the Council and PTPA
Djokovic alleged he was under pressure to step down as Council president. The Serb said that the thought behind PTPA was not to rival the ATP players’ front.
“I do not see any conflict of any kind at being part of the PTPA and part of player…
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