'Not normal': Djokovic raises quarantine-injury connection - Australian Open
The HinduNovak Djokovic won an Australian Open match between two guys with abdominal muscle issues, setting up a semifinal against someone who beat an opponent with debilitating back spasms. READ: According to Djokovic, who announced last year he was establishing a new association to represent male tennis players, most don’t want to proceed with the season if it means going through that sort of isolation repeatedly — either with limited time to practice and go to the gym daily or, in the case of those who potentially were exposed to COVID-19 while traveling, barred entirely from leaving their hotel rooms during the two weeks. “It's too many injuries, honestly,” Djokovic said, then sighed heavily, during an on-court interview after his four-set quarterfinal victory against Alexander Zverev. We can change the background, we can change the city name on the court or whatever, and then play it at one venue.” READ: In response to a request for comment, ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi issued an emailed statement via a spokesman that read in part: “The two-week quarantine was a first, and we are monitoring the impact on player health very closely.” As for the idea of some sort of “bubble,” Gaudenzi’s statement said: “The nature of our Tour is truly global — a move away from that structure would present significant challenges compared to many other sports or leagues.