The world number one tennis player, Novak Djokovic, declared on Thursday that his participation in the Tokyo Olympic Games (July 23-August 8) would be reconsidered if the public presence in the stands is not finally authorized.
In the current pandemic context, it has already been announced that the arrival of spectators from abroad will not be authorized in Japan and the organizers have yet to announce whether the event will be behind closed doors or with an audience in the stadiums.
“I plan to play the Olympics if spectators are allowed. If not, I will think twice before participating, “warned the Serbian at a press conference after winning the Argentine Federico Coria in the quarterfinals of the Belgrade tournament.
The decision on whether there will be resident spectators in Japan at the Olympics is expected by the end of June.
Djokovic is not the first tennis star to express doubts about his Olympic participation.
The world number three, Spanish Rafa Nadal, and former US number one Serena Williams recently pointed out that their presence in Tokyo is not certain.
For his part, former number one Roger Federer estimated that athletes need a firm decision as soon as possible on whether the Games are going to be played.
The Japanese Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori publicly wondered about the relevance of keeping the Tokyo Games in a situation of international health risk.
Several regions of Japan are in a state of emergency due to an increase in infections in the country and Japanese public opinion is overwhelmingly against the dispute over the event.
Medical groups have warned in recent days of the risks of holding the Olympic Games and warn of the possibility of new variants of the coronavirus reaching Japan. (GG) (AFP)