Tennis: Novak Djokovic under fire for ‘luxury’ accommodation ahead of US Open

In another COVID-19 controversy, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has opted not to reside in coronavirus-secure hotels ahead of the US Open.

In another COVID-19 controversy, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has opted not to reside in coronavirus-secure hotels ahead of the US Open.

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has come under fire once again, this time for renting a house in New York instead of residing in coronavirus-secure hotels ahead of the US Open.

Djokovic arrived in New York earlier this week, and will compete in the Western and Southern warm-up event ahead of the Grand Slam tournament, which will also be held at the iconic Flushing Meadows.

However, the Serbian superstar revealed would not join the other tennis professionals in their COVID-19 bubble because he found the allocated hotel rooms too suffocating.

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“With the trees and serenity, being in this kind of environment is a blessing,” Djokovic told The New York Times.

“And I’m grateful, because I’ve seen the hotel where the majority of players are staying. I don’t want to sound arrogant or anything like that, and I know the USTA. did their best in order to provide accommodation and organise everything and organise these bubbles so the players can actually compete and come here, but it’s tough for most of the players, not being able to open their window and being in a hotel in a small room.”

When asked about the “luxury” accommodation — which required additional security — Djokovic defended the decision.

“Every player had an opportunity to make that investment … it’s completely up to the individual,” he told reporters.

“It’s definitely a luxury, and I’m grateful.”

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Several people voiced their disgust at Djokovic’s call — one Twitter user posted: “Be more responsible. If one person is ill due to you you should feel terrible. Now arrogantly living in your luxurious accommodation while other players are stifled up in hotel. A disgrace.”

Another person tweeted: “Dreadful — continually plays victim card. Compare his attitude to victims of virus to that of Dimitrov who showed genuine angst at the thought of infecting people. Djokovic arrogant beyond belief. Why does he get to live in a nice house while other players cooped in hotel?”

Djokovic remains undefeated in 2020, and considering Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer will not compete in New York this year, is a firm favourite to claim his fourth US Open title.

Despite relentless criticism for his controversial Adria Tour — which resulted in several players testing positive for COVID-19 — Djokovic remains adamant he did nothing wrong.

Novak Djokovic has won three US Open titles.

The 33-year-old was not deterred by the global “witch hunt”, and claimed he would happily organise another Adria Tour in the future.

“I don’t think I’ve done anything bad,” Djokovic told The New York Times.

“I do feel sorry for people that were infected. Do I feel guilty for anybody that was infected from that point onward in Serbia, Croatia and region? Of course not. How can you blame one individual for everything?

“We tried to do something with the right intentions … yes, there were some steps that could have been done differently, but am I going to be then forever blamed for doing a mistake?

“If I had the chance to do the Adria Tour again, I would do it again. It’s like a witch hunt.”

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been one of the most outspoken critics of Djokovic’s seemingly careless behaviour, and doubled down on Friday.

“Scary that people take zero ownership,” Kyrgios said on Instagram.

“Group of albatrosses.”